The former New Zealand batsman returned a positive test for a prohibited substances after playing for Wellington in a one-day match in March and has been banned for six months by the Sports Tribunal.
The hard-hitting left-hander, who has signed with Otago for the coming season, avoided a mandatory two-year suspension because the tribunal found he inadvertently took performance-enhancing drugs without any intention of cheating.
The decision to reduce the ban means Ryder, who was provisionally suspended on April 19, can resume his cricket career on October 19 and will not miss any matches for Otago.''
It is the best I probably could have got out of this situation,'' Ryder replied when asked for his reaction to the tribunal's decision.''
I don't miss any cricket, so that is the main thing I was worried about.''
I couldn't believe it when I tested positive. My career flashed before me. If I'd got done for two years, that was probably me done.''
Ryder, who is often taunted because of his weight, ran foul of the World Anti-Doping Agency's code when he took two diet pills five days before being tested.
The supplement was poorly labelled and Ryder was unaware the product contained banned substances, despite taking reasonable steps to ensure it was safe, including consulting a strength and conditioning specialist.
''There were other things I could have done like contact and talk to the drug-free sport guys. I have to put my hand up and say I stuffed up and take my punishment.''
Ryder was the victim of a brutal assault in Christchurch in March. He was in a coma for 56 hours and is still recovering from what was a serious head injury.
He did not learn he had tested positive until he was out of hospital.
After the events of the last five months, Ryder said he was more determined than ever to make the most of his talent.
''A bit has happened to me and I've had some time to reflect. One of my goals is to come down to Otago and perform as well as I can. I'm pretty hungry to make the Black Caps again. That is a big focus for me.''
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White confirmed the ban would have no adverse impact on Ryder's ambitions to return to the national team.
''However, it is a timely reminder that players must be extremely careful when taking supplements,'' he said.
