Ky Blackwood
Supernatural
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse; Death, War, Famine, and Pestilence
 Death |  War |  Famine |  Pestilence |
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The Horsemen are powerful, immortal beings that act as instruments of chaos and destruction during the Apocalypse, which is triggered by Lucifer's release. War, Famine, and Pestilence are loyal to Lucifer's plans, whereas Death serves Lucifer's agenda only while he is bound to him by a spell. Each Horseman appears human, and drives a car that reflects the color of his horse as described in lore. Each possesses a different ring that is somehow tied to their powers, and their rings prove integral in ending the Apocalypse.
The Horsemen's origin remains unclear and has yet to be presented in Canon. Their actual ages remain unknown, however Death is the oldest Horseman as he existed during the creation of the universe. War refers to the other Horsemen as his "siblings," and Pestilence calls War and Famine his "brothers." Pestilence is so distressed that War and Famine fell into an impaired state due to the actions of Sam and Dean that he disobeys Lucifer's commands and attacks the Winchesters.
In Supernatural, War is the first Horseman to appear, Famine was the second, Pestilence was the third, and Death was the final Horseman. Their abilities vary, but all appear capable of causing widespread destruction in one form or another. They read human thoughts and emotions. The Horsemen can teleport themselves, move objects telekinetically, and be invisible to humans when they choose to be. Sam's powers do not work on the Horsemen, though they can have an indirect impact.
In addition to these powers, they each possess unique abilities that coincide with their apocalyptic roles. War can alter human perception, making people see enemies where there are none. Famine can affect people's urges and addictions. Pestilence can create and manipulate deadly diseases in humans. Death has full control over life and death itself, and is able to kill with a touch or dramatic event. War, Famine and Pestilence cannot fully manage and maintain their powers or their roles in the Apocalypse without their rings. Ruby's knife can damage War, Famine and Pestilence enough to remove their rings, though as yet nothing has been shown to kill them.
War:
War, also known as the Red Horseman, wears a pure gold ring that enables him to channel his ability to create conflict where none existed previously, which is his contribution to the Apocalypse. War travels in a red Mustang which represents his red steed.
Famine:
Famine, also known as the Black Horseman, wears a sliver ring that enables him to focus his core ability, which is affecting his victim’s inner urges, desires, and needs, which causes them to go insane for what they crave, to further the Apocalypse. Famine travels in a black Cadillac Escalade.
Pestilence:
Pestilence, the third Horseman to appear, wears a ring with a green emerald that helps him to manipulate infections, infestations, sickness and other deadly diseases, all of which is essential in advancing the Apocalypse. Pestilence travels in a green Hornet Wagon. He is occasionally accompanied by a swarm of flies.
Death:
Death, also known as the Pale Horseman, is affiliated with Famine, War and Pestilence, although he is far more powerful than them. Death wears a ring with a white stone; unlike his brothers, Death's powers do not come from his ring. Death can kill by creating massive storms, tsunamis and hurricanes, or by using a simple gesture. Death can also resurrect dead people. According to Bobby, Death has been kept restrained prior to the Apocalypse, and the last time Death was free, "Noah was building a boat." Death is released from his cage in 5.10 Abandon All Hope... by Lucifer's spell. Death acts under Lucifer's direction for most of season five, but resents the archangel's control over him. He willingly gives his ring to Dean to stop the Apocalypse. After Lucifer's defeat, Death remains free, possibly directing the reapers. It is he that eventually returns Sam's soul and helps return the souls to Purgatory. After he demands Sam's death in exchange for his help with the Mark of Cain, Dean kills Death with his own scythe to save his brother.
The Rings:
 Death'sRing |  War'sRing |  Famine'sRing |  Pestilence'sRing |
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Each of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse wears a single ring. The color of Famine, Pestilence and Death's rings respectively match that of their cars. The Horsemen, except for Death, can focus their core abilities via these rings, and losing their rings has a serious impact on their ability to function. According to Brady, while they are still alive, War and Famine are in a debilitated state after their rings are taken, and even getting the rings back to them would not soon make them active. Pestilence also appears ineffective after the loss of his ring. Death, on the other hand, seems unfazed by giving Dean his ring, suggesting that the ring is not essential to his nature. Death is likely more powerful than the other Horsemen, having been present since the beginning of time itself, and being one of the only constants in the Universe.
War wears a simple gold ring, which is the only ring without a colored stone. His ring allows him to affect the perception of humans. Sam and Dean get War's ring after cutting off his finger using Ruby's knife. Famine wears a ring that is silver, engraved, and has a black stone. His ring affects human urges (lust, hunger, and addictions). Sam and Dean get Famine's ring after Sam exorcises demons out of Famine's body. Pestilence wears a ring with a green stone. He uses the ring to trigger any diseases in his victims. Sam and Dean get the ring after Castiel cuts off Pestilence's finger using Ruby's knife. Death wears a ring with a white stone. Death's powers are not completely derived from his ring.