The Riderless Tarot - Horse Art by Nakisha

The Riderless Tarot is a complete 78-card deck created by artist Nakisha VanderHoeven, known for her previous work on the Rabbit Tarot. This deck reimagines the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system by exclusively featuring horses and other animals in place of human figures. Each card was originally painted with watercolors, a process that took months to complete for all 78 unique illustrations.

The core concept behind The Riderless Tarot was to create a horse-themed deck that remains accessible to those already familiar with the RWS system. The imagery and meanings are intentionally borrowed from the classic deck, allowing for intuitive reading without a steep learning curve. This approach makes it suitable for both seasoned tarot readers and those new to the practice who are drawn to animal-themed decks.

Physically, the deck includes 78 unique cards measuring approximately 5" high by 2.75" wide (12.7 cm x 6.985 cm). The card backs are reversible, a practical feature for certain reading styles. It comes with a basic one-sheet description of card meanings and is housed in a tuck box. The deck was fully illustrated and ready for printing at the time of its Kickstarter launch in 2016, successfully raising funds to cover initial production costs.

This deck is ideal for tarot readers who appreciate animal-themed decks, particularly those with an affinity for horses. It suits both beginners, due to its adherence to RWS symbolism, and experienced readers looking for a fresh, animal-centric interpretation of a classic system. Collectors of unique, artist-driven tarot decks and fans of watercolor art will also find this deck appealing.

Nakisha VanderHoeven is an artist known for creating animal-themed tarot decks, including the Rabbit Tarot. Her inspiration for The Riderless Tarot stemmed from a desire to create a horse-centric deck that still resonated with the classic Rider-Waite system. Each of the 78 cards was meticulously hand-painted with watercolors, a process that took several months to complete, reflecting her dedication to the project and her artistic vision.