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?

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

French lancers hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy

Lancer (Age of Empires III), Age of Empires Series Wiki

The Winged Hussars and the 'Military Revolution' in the East

Cavalry Lance - Age of Revolution

60mm Macedonian Cavalry

Cavalry in the American Revolution

Lance Head and Butt Cap - Irongate Armory

Are lancers light cavalry? - Quora