What was the greatest effect of the horse introduction on the lives of the Plains Indians?

The introduction of the horse had a transformative impact on the lives of the Plains Indians, primarily enhancing their mobility and ability to hunt. The horse allowed these tribes to travel greater distances more quickly, which in turn facilitated a more nomadic lifestyle centered around the seasonal migration of bison herds. With horses, Plains Indians could follow the herds more efficiently, moving their camps to wherever the bison could be found. This flexibility in mobility was crucial for their survival and way of life, as it increased their access to resources and improved their hunting strategies. Rather than establishing permanent settlements or significantly increasing farming, the horse culture emphasized mobility and hunting, reinforcing the nomadic lifestyle that was characteristic of Plains Indian communities. Thus, the greatest effect of horse introduction was the enhancement of their nomadic lifestyle.