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Why did mounted nomads have military advantages over settled farming societies?

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Map showing the extent of the Eurasian steppes, highlighted in green, stretching from eastern Europe through Ukraine and southern Russia, across Kazakhstan, and into Mongolia and northern China. The map labels the Western Steppe and Eastern Steppe regions and includes major geographic features, countries, and ancient sites within the steppe zone. — the Steppe Extent of the Eurasian steppes.

Mounted nomads held significant military advantages over settled farming societies primarily due to their superior mobility and the specialized skills developed through their pastoral way of life.

The Cavalry Revolution

The most decisive factor was the development of effective horsemanship between 900 and 700 BCE. By mastering the ability to control horses with their legs and voices, nomads freed both hands for archery, creating a highly mobile and lethal force. Because they lived in the saddle, nomads could concentrate large numbers of experienced warriors at will, strike quickly, and retreat before sedentary forces could organize a defense.12

Economic and Tactical Superiority

Resource Advantage: In the steppe, raising horses was economically efficient, as nomads could easily substitute horse products for other staples. Conversely, for settled societies, maintaining a large cavalry force was prohibitively expensive, as it required grain that would otherwise feed the human population.1
Inherent Training: The nomadic lifestyle necessitated constant vigilance against predators and rival groups. This environment naturally inculcated warfare skills, making raids and counterraids a routine part of life.3
Strategic Flexibility: Nomads could exploit weaknesses in civilized defenses by probing borders and swiftly attacking gaps, a strategy that made them a dominant force in Eurasian history.2