Long time ago, a king raised a herd of steeds for war preparations. He hired professionals to train the steeds so that they would be good at fighting. Just as expected, the steeds were gallant and could even cover thousands of miles a day.
With these well-trained steeds, despite the neighbouring countries's numerous aggressions, the cavalry were always always able to rout the enemy. Finally, the neighbouring countries dared not to commit aggression again.
After a long peaceful time, the king thought that since the peace prevailed, the steeds kept for preparation against war in the past had become redundant and wasteful. Therefore, in order to make the most use of the steeds and to be sung the praises by the people, he decided to give the steeds to his people to work for them.
Under the king's order, all the steeds were distributed to the people.
The horses were used in the people's daily work, and soon became labourers. Many years passed. The neighbouring countries had preserved enough energy. They rallied their forces and came to attack again. The king hastily ordered to retrieve the steeds to prepare against the war.
However, when the cavalry deployed into line of battle, the realised all the steeds kept going round and round with their lowered heads, not willing to go ahead. The cavalry could not even make the steeds move forward a single step with strong lashes.
After observation, it was found that the steeds had got used to working at a mill and had totally forgotten their previous training.