Using mounted bowmen

[tinkthank]

I did a search both under mounted bowmen and T'ien Chi, but have come up with nothing that helps me here. Your tips appreciated.

I like the idea of mounted bowmen, although they are expensive. But for what I am able to do with them with my poor skills so far, I am wondering whether they are worth it.

I love the description: heavily armored troops will meet their lances, others will perish under a hail of arrows. (Paraphrase, dont remember off the bat.) Sounds great. Flexible, quick, deadly. Yum.

But: I havent got them to work yet. What do I set them on? On "Hold and attack" they are kamakazie horsemeat, on "fire" they don't sink their lances into anyone.
I sort of want them to be able to fire a bit, then run around the approaching footies and lance the enemy vanguard.

Any tips?
Merci.