Shane and Team Z7’s superstar stallion, who has excelled in everything he has turned his hoof to, had one last canter around the famous ring, then the 19-year-old’s saddle was removed, and a garland put around his neck, and he was led out of the ring, a guard of honour cheering him out under the famous arch.
“He definitely doesn’t think he should retire; as we went round just now, he spotted the jumps and was pulling me towards them!” Shane said. “I had to say ‘It’s not your day; you’ve had your day.”
The Canturo stallion won across the world with Shane; in everything from speed classes to Nations Cups.
“He’s been the horse of a lifetime; he did it all, and he did it with a smile on his face,” said Shane. “Everything he went in, he won; an unbelievable horse. When you went to a show, you knew he’d pay the bills.
Can Ya Makan Retirement at The Al Shira'aa Hickstead Derby Meeting, The All England Jumping Course, Hickstead, Sussex, United Kingdom. June 22nd 2025
(Image credit: Elli Birch/Bootsandhooves)
“All he wanted to do was go in the ring, prick his ears and get on with the job. He was an absolute pleasure to ride.”
Shane said Can Ya Makan always knew when he’d won, and when he hadn’t.
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“He’s so smart, so intelligent,” he said. “It’s great he’s a stallion as we can look forward to his offspring; so far they look beautiful and have his characteristics.
“I’m so grateful to Team Z7 for trusting me to have such an amazing horse, and we look forward to seeing some great winners among his offspring.”
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
