At our farm, each animal holds a special place in our hearts, but none quite like Baby Seven. He's been home for nearly two months now, and today was a big day: a check-up from Dr. Ursini, a dedicated veterinarian from the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK). From X-rays to acupuncture, this visit was all about seeing how far Seven has come and where we go from here.
Seven's journey hasn't been easy, but it's been full of growth, literally and figuratively. When he first arrived, he was so tiny his hips barely reached my waist. Now? He's filled out, grown taller, and is showing a lot more personality (and attitude) every day.
A Look Into Seven's Daily Routine
Despite the rainy weather cutting our planned full bath short, we still managed to get in a light grooming session before Dr. Ursini arrived. On normal days, Seven spends time out in the pasture, enjoying the fresh air, sunshine, and occasional visit from our mini horses. His routine includes early morning medication, regular PEMF therapy, and weekly acupuncture sessions that we believe have played a major role in his comfort and mobility.
Interestingly, Seven is one of those horses who wears his emotions on his sleeve—or rather, in his body language. If he doesn't feel good, he lies down. That has become our biggest tell. So when we see him up and kicking the stall wall for attention, it's actually a good sign!
Progress Through Holistic Care
One of the biggest improvements we've noticed is thanks to a combination of acupuncture, chiropractic care, and PEMF therapy. These holistic treatments have done wonders in keeping Seven comfortable as he continues to grow. For a horse like Seven, who deals with structural and developmental challenges, keeping muscles loose and reducing inflammation is key.
Dr. Ursini ran a variety of diagnostics, including radiographs and blood work, to make sure everything is still on track. We discussed his leg angles, which tend to fluctuate a bit during growth spurts. For now, his hock alignment is looking steady, and his weight is in a healthy range, although we'll be supplementing his diet with just a little more alfalfa for added protein.
Tackling Pain and Supporting Joints
Seven's current medication routine includes a micro-dose of Bute daily, which we've found is just enough to manage discomfort without overloading his system. We've had a few days where doses were missed, but even then, Seven bounced back quickly. It's reassuring to know that his pain is under control, especially since the long-term goal is maintaining both comfort and longevity.
We also talked about adding Adequan and Pro-Stride injections to help support his joints. These are common therapies in equine care, especially for horses with early arthritic changes. While Seven's condition might suggest he should be struggling, he continues to defy expectations with his resilience and spirit.
Insights From a Veterinarian's Perspective
Having a trusted veterinarian like Dr. Ursini involved in Seven's care has made a world of difference. Her knowledge and consistency have helped guide every step of his recovery. Her expertise reminds us of how critical specialized veterinary support is in both recovery and horse breeding programs. Monitoring foals from birth and understanding their development ensures they have the best possible chance at a full, happy life.
And let's not forget the essential role the University of Tennessee Knoxville has played in Seven's journey. Their team gave Seven the critical foundation he needed to come home and thrive. There's even a Baby Seven Scholarship Fund you can support, directly benefiting ongoing research and treatment efforts in equine care.
Life on the Farm With Katie Van Slyke
As many of y'all know, I share glimpses into our farm life on social media. Whether we're working on horse breeding, checking in on foals, or giving updates on Seven's progress, it's always about doing what's best for our animals. And for Seven, that means a tailored approach that focuses not just on his condition, but on his quality of life.
He's our gentle giant with a fighting spirit, and watching him improve has been both rewarding and humbling. His story is a constant reminder that healing isn't linear, and that every horse deserves a chance, even if it means taking the scenic route to get there.
Final Thoughts
Seven's check-up reminded us of how far he's come and how important it is to stay proactive in his care. We're not just reacting to problems, we're anticipating needs, adjusting routines, and working closely with trusted experts like Dr. Ursini.
And more than anything else, we're celebrating the little victories. Seven is happy, energetic, and living his best life here at the farm, and that's all we could ever ask for.
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