Advice on playing the Nogai Horde

[HappyMooMoo]

So i have a few things i'd like to have explained to me about the Nogai Horde ( and please don't suggest i play the Golden Horde or something ...)

1: Geo-political adivce about Central Asia and opening moves for the Nogai Horde in diplomatic terms
2:Should i reform and then westernize my government? (if so, how?) Or should i just try and play the whole game as a horde?
3: Any other general advice or tips about Hordes. Eg: What inf:cav:cannons ratio should i have?, What idea groups should i have?.