Highland Foorde MOAS: Mu’allimah Tala al-Zahra
This year, Highland Havoc takes inspiration from Enbarr, the legendary horse of the Irish sea-god Manannán mac Lir. Swift as the wind and able to travel freely over both land and sea, Enbarr carried heroes into adventure, and stands as a symbol of freedom. In 2025, Highland Havoc’s A&S activities will celebrate the connections between horses, Ireland, myth & legend, and the sea.
Class Information:
NB: All Highland Havoc classes will provide University of Atlantia credit.
10:00-11:00am — Celtic Knotwork 101 by Lady Harper An Cu
Learn the basics of Celtic Knotwork design and try out drawing some of your own! From under and over to the frightening corner, this class is perfect for artists or those who enjoy math problems. Paper and pencils will be provided.
11:00am-12:00pm — SCA Equestrian Activities for the Non-Riding Person by Noble Norbert Dolittle
The equestrian community of the SCA invites you to participate with us. This class starts with some basic safety information and general horse knowledge. The second half of the class explores some ways that participating in SCA equestrian activities can enrich our mutual dream. Owning a horse is not required. Please see the QR code for the class handout. Participants may want to print a copy to bring with them.
12:00-1:00pm — Patterns for a Pony: a Review of Tourney Cover Patterns by Lady Arielle de Pontoise
This class will examine the patterns for the various equine garments included in “Drei Schnittbücher: Three Austrian Master Tailor Books of the 16th Century” by Katherine Barich and Marion McNealy, with an emphasis on the Tourney covers (aka Caparisons) and hoods. We will review the patterns and discuss ways to adapt them for use in the SCA.
1:00-2:00pm — 12thC Irish Leine Pattern Drafting, a Garb Workshop by Lady Harper An Cu
Based on the materials and class by Etaín Dílis ingen Finn, this workshop will walk ten people through the process of making a 12th Century Irish Leine. We will learn about the leine in a very basic sense, then take measurements, calculate pattern lengths, use pattern paper to draw out the pieces, and cut them out of muslin as a mock-up to be sewn up and tried on. A donation of $10 is asked for class materials to include muslin, pattern paper, and original class handout by Etaín Dílis ingen Finn.
2:00-3:00pm — Insular Majuscule Script 101 by Lady Harper An Cu
Learn the basics of writing the Insular Majuscule Script, the same hand used in the Book of Kells. We will briefly go over the history of the script, and then will practice forming the shapes and letters.
2:00-3:00pm — Weed Walk by Alexander of the Black Dragons
Join us for a gentle walk to identify our local plants and trees (and maybe a few small creatures along the way). This walk will be botany-focused, so we will take time to truly explore all that is around us. Class is limited to 10 people. Class will meet at the A&S tent before departing for the walk. Folks are welcome to join in late or leave early if needed.
3:00-4:00pm — How to Get Involved with Equestrian Activities by Lady Zarra de la Vega
Have you ever wanted to know how to get involved with the equines? Well, you don’t necessarily need a horse to play with the equestrians. Come to this class to learn what we do, and how to get involved.
A&S Display Information:
- Horses, Ireland, Mythology & the Sea (Display) — This year’s A&S Display is inspired by Enbarr, the mythical steed who raced freely over land & sea. We invite you to share projects that celebrate horses, Irish culture & history, mythology, and the sea. This display welcomes creativity in every form — crafted, performed, or researched. Let Enbarr’s spirit of freedom and exploration guide you, as we celebrate the beauty of legend, and the creativity it inspires! EZ Doc forms will be available on-site to help attendees understand your project. Participants will also be able to request “feedback” or “no feedback” — and this preference will be prominently posted at your display.
- Petite Pretty Pony Parade (Display) — Have you ever wanted to outfit a horse but didn’t have the ability to? This is your opportunity to do so — on a smaller scale! This A&S display is simple: Make a period outfit for your favorite toy or stuffed horse, and place it on the display table! Documentation isn’t necessary, but it is welcome for any who choose to do it. Feel free to make the equine’s outfit out of any material you choose to achieve your desired look; the goal is to have fun! You can find examples here.
Please contact the Highland Foorde MoAS, Tala al-Zahra, if you have any questions or concerns about A&S at Highland Havoc.