Final answer:
The horse was central to the steppe peoples for climate adaptation, efficient transportation, strategic advantage in warfare, and cultural symbolism, making it integral to their daily life and military prowess.
Step-by-step explanation:
The horse was vital to the daily life of the peoples of the Inner Asian Steppe for several intertwined reasons. Firstly, as an adaptation to the climate, horses were key in navigating the vast and often harsh steppe terrain. Secondly, horses offered efficient transportation, which was essential for the survival and economic practices of nomadic tribes. Moreover, in terms of strategic advantage in warfare, horses enabled the steppe peoples to mobilize quickly and conduct warfare with an agility that sedentary civilizations often could not match. This contributed significantly to these groups becoming formidable powers in the region and influencing the course of history through campaigns and the spread of innovations like chariot and cavalry warfare.
Cultural symbolism also played a role, as horses were integral to local rituals and status within these societies. Fundamentally, horses elevated the military prowess of steppe societies and were essential in hunting practices. The importance of horses extended to gender roles, as archaeological evidence shows women also engaged in equestrian activities and combat. Thus, the horse's role transcended mere utility and became central to the identity and structure of steppe societies.