Hunting

• Hunting became much easier for Native Americans, who now could keep up or even outrun the speedy buffalo. They immediately embraced the lifestyle horses brought. In combination with the introduction of the gun, Native Americans could provide plenty of meat for the tribe with just an afternoon of work.
  
  

Lifestyle

• The introduction of the horse prompted some tribes to live like nomads and abandon a sedentary lifestyle. Entire tribes would roam the lands in search of food and resources, a fundamental shift in their way of life. Plains Indians trained each other in horseback riding and became expert riders. They raised large herds of horses for using and selling.
  
  

Combat

• Native American tribes that had herds of horses had a big advantage in times of war against those that did not. Horses allowed them to ride up on enemies quickly and overwhelm them from an elevated position atop the horse. They could also travel farther and faster without becoming tired, giving them the ability to route enemies and attack them on flanks. It made the playing field more level in battles with Europeans.
  
  

Economy

• The horse had a number of economic benefits for Native Americans. Besides hunting advantages, horses were good for carrying large loads when previously only dogs were available as pack animals. Tribes traded horses for goods, and the Spanish also became involved in trade. Often, a Native American's wealth was measured in horses.