Conquest (White Horse): The first rider is often described as a conqueror wearing a crown and carrying a bow. While commonly seen as a symbol of conquest, scholars and theologians debate its exact meaning, with some interpreting the rider as Christ, the Antichrist, or a representation of pestilence.
War (Red Horse): The second horseman holds a great sword and is granted the power to take peace from the earth, causing people to slaughter one another.
Famine (Black Horse): The third rider holds a pair of scales in their hand, representing the scarcity of food and inflated prices during times of starvation.
Death (Pale Horse): The final horseman rides a pale or greenish horse and is explicitly named Death, trailed closely by Hades. This rider brings widespread devastation through sword, famine, and pestilence.