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Many Rider plaques were small, portable, designed for household shrine installation. This suggests the Rider functioned not only as psychopomp for the already-dead but as protective presence for the still-living. Having Rider image in home created connection to the power that would eventually guide souls at death, establishing relationship in advance of need.
The protective function may have extended beyond death preparation. Some reliefs show the Rider subduing or trampling enemies, suggesting he defended devotees from threats both mortal and supernatural. A household protected by the Rider enjoyed safety from hostile magic, evil spirits, human enemies. The horseman who conducted souls safely to afterlife could also patrol boundaries of domestic space, preventing unwanted intrusions.
Offerings left at household Rider shrines included wine, oil, honey, grain—the standard materials of ancient Mediterranean sacrifice. The frequency of offering varied but regular maintenance of relationship was expected. Neglecting the Rider risked losing his protection, alienating the power that would eventually be needed when death came.
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