Steve,

Interesting points that you brought up.

There are definitely different views on the rider on the white horse.

There are even some who were convinced that it was the Covid corona virus (I even wondered along those lines, when it was first brought up).

However I've pretty much stuck to what I've thought for a number of years.

That the first rider, similar to the subsequent three riders, is not bringing good things to the world.

Yet, in the church I attended when I lived up in Chicago, there were two views held by most.

One, similar to what I was thinking, and one similar to what you described.

On Sunday evening, we could request hymns, after quoting scriptures.

One man would most often request the same hymn by Fanny Crosby.

The words fit one of the views:

1. Conquering now and still to conquer, rideth a King in His might;
Leading the host of all the faithful into the midst of the fight;
See them with courage advancing, clad in their brilliant array,
Shouting the Name of their Leader, hear them exultingly say:

Refrain:
Not to the strong is the battle, not to the swift is the race,
Yet to the true and the faithful vict’ry is promised thro' grace.

2. Conquering now and still to conquer, who is this wonderful King?
Whence are the armies which He leadeth, while of His glory they sing?
He is our Lord and Redeemer, Savior and Monarch divine;
They are the stars that forever bright in His kingdom shall shine.

3. Conquering now and still to conquer, Jesus, Thou Ruler of all,
Thrones and their scepters all shall perish, crowns and their splendor shall fall,
Yet shall the armies Thou leadest, faithful and true to the last,
Find in Thy mansions eternal rest, when their warfare is past.