Baby Seven, Viral TikTok-Famous Horse Who Was Born Prematurely, Dies at 18 Months

Baby Seven, a beloved Tennessee foal that gained fame on TikTok for being born extremely prematurely, has unfortunately passed away at the age of 18 months. The owner of Baby Seven, Katie Van Slyke, took to TikTok to share the heartbreaking news of the foal’s death. Van Slyke revealed that Seven had started showing signs of colic in the past week, leading her to make the difficult decision to euthanize him. Despite knowing that their time together was limited, Van Slyke expressed her sadness at not being able to watch him grow and thrive in the pasture as she had hoped.

On February 15, 2024, Baby Seven was born prematurely at just 286 days into gestation, well short of the typical 310-day gestation period for horses. Despite the odds stacked against him, Seven exhibited remarkable resilience and determination to survive. Van Slyke shared that at the time of his birth, the only notable issue with Seven was that his hocks and knees were not fully formed. This led Van Slyke to embark on a journey to help Seven grow and develop his bones, a challenge that was described as “uncharted territory” but undertaken with hope and determination.

Initially receiving treatment at a local equine hospital, Baby Seven was later moved to the University of Tennessee Center for Veterinary Medicine for more intensive care as he continued to defy expectations with his miraculous survival. Throughout his short life, Seven garnered a devoted community of fans on social media, who were inspired by his fighting spirit and zest for life. His story also led to the establishment of the Seven Scholarship, aimed at supporting seven third-year equine veterinary students at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine with $7,000 each.

Despite Baby Seven’s premature passing, Van Slyke reflected on the impact he had made during his time on earth. She praised Seven’s unwavering determination to live and the joy he brought to those who interacted with him. Van Slyke acknowledged that while Seven may not have experienced a “normal” horse life, his legacy would endure through the lessons learned from his journey, paving the way for future equine veterinarians to come. The legacy of Baby Seven will live on through the hearts of those who followed his remarkable story and the scholarship established in his honour.

The news of Baby Seven’s death has resonated deeply with fans and supporters who followed his journey from a premature foal to a beloved internet sensation. The outpouring of love and sympathy for Baby Seven and his owner, Katie Van Slyke, serves as a testament to the impact he had during his short but meaningful life. As the world mourns the loss of Baby Seven, his story will continue to inspire others to cherish each moment and celebrate the resilience and spirit of all creatures, great and small.

In a world where social media often showcases the highs and lows of life, Baby Seven’s story stands out as a beacon of hope and courage in the face of adversity. His journey from a premature foal fighting for survival to a beloved TikTok star touched the hearts of many and left a lasting legacy that transcends his untimely passing. Baby Seven may have only graced this world for a short time, but his impact will be felt for years to come, reminding us all of the power of perseverance, love, and the indomitable spirit of the human-animal bond.