Cavalry Lance - Age of Revolution

How did the ancient cavalry attack before the couched lance charge was invented by the Normans? If they didn't use any kind of lance charge tactics, how were they useful then?

Poland's Winged Knights: From Invincible Glory To Obsolescence, Article

British Cavalry Lance 1868 pattern, Turtledove

Sergeant's Spontoon - Age of Revolution

BRITISH 1868 CAVALRY LANCE FOR NATIVE REGIMENT – Fagan Arms

MK044 Saracen with Lance Up Mounted by King and Country (RETIRED) - Sager's Soldiers & Miniatures

How did the ancient Romans use cavalry in battle? - History Skills

Shock Rider, Age of Empires Series Wiki

Lance Head and Butt Cap - Irongate Armory

French lancers hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy

The Sardinian Army: A Survey - Napoleon's 1796 Bloody Nose