The Star Wars Universe is far from ours, which is why we often see unique creatures that might share some similarities to creatures on our planet, but they are completely different. When it comes to animals in the Star Wars series, we can all agree that there are many.
Some are used as mounts for transportation, others for labor and carrying big things, and some for battles.
But since horses have played an important role in our history, does the Star Wars Universe have a horse-like creature that might look like a distant relative to our beloved horses?
Well, yes, we have Orbaks. After a long time, we’ve been finally introduced to the Orbaks, which are the closest thing to horses in the Star Wars Universe. They might be hairier and they have horns, but compared to other creatures from Star Wars, they are the closest relative to horses.
Let’s learn more about these creatures, and find out more about where they came from and what’s their purpose in Star Wars movies.
What Exactly Are Orbaks?
Just like horses, Orbarks are robust four-legged beasts that only appeared recently in The Rise of Skywalker. But where did they come from? Well, Orbaks can be found on the ocean moon Kef Bir, which is part of the Endor system.
In the movie The Rise of Skywalker, they are ridden by Jannah and her group of ex-stormtroopers, which are known as Company 77. The Orbaks played an important role during the pivotal charge against the Final Order.
Orbaks are undeniably horse-like in their physical structure and behavior. They have a stout, muscular build, covered in thick fur that helps them endure various environmental conditions. Their sturdy hooves and muscular legs make them exceptional for traversing difficult terrains, much like horses on Earth.
They are also quite fast, as we’ve seen when Jannah (Naomi Ackie) leads an army of fast-running Orbaks towards the enemy. In fact, if we had Orbaks on our planet they’d definitely be in the horse racing free selections for some of the biggest horse races in the world.
Comparing Orbaks to Horses
So, why are Orbaks considered the Star Wars equivalent of horses? Well, their physical appearance isn’t their only similarity.
- Physiology: Orbaks have a strong, equine build with long legs and a body structure optimized for speed and endurance. They also have tusks, which are used to uproot plants—a feature Earth horses might find intriguing yet inconvenient for grazing.
- Behavior: Much like horses, Orbaks can be domesticated and are known for their loyalty. They form strong bonds with their riders, making them reliable mounts for transportation and in combat scenarios.
- Utilization: In the Star Wars universe, Orbaks are used similarly to how horses are used on Earth. They serve as mounts for transportation across rugged landscapes and are also employed in battle, reflecting the versatility and importance of horses in human history.
They are so close to horses that the main actors John Boyega and Naomi Ackie rode horses when shooting the movie. Orbaks also didn’t go through a lot of CGI and video editing. They appear the same size as horses, and they have identical movements, which is no surprise since they’ve used real horses in production.
Why Are Orbaks So Special?
Orbaks aren’t just horse-like in appearance; their use and relationship with their riders add to their equine comparison. Here’s why they stand out:
- Loyalty: Orbaks form strong bonds with their riders, akin to the rider-horse relationship on Earth. This loyalty is highlighted by the custom of riders marking their Orbaks with special designs.
- Utility: Just like horses, Orbaks are versatile. They are used in agriculture, transportation, and even in battle scenarios, reflecting the multifaceted roles horses have played throughout human history.
- Physical Traits: The stout hooves, thick fur, and the ability to traverse difficult terrains make Orbaks exceptionally horse-like. Their tusks, though unique, don’t detract from their overall horse-like essence; instead, they add a touch of the fantastical, fitting the Star Wars universe’s vibe.
Other Horse-like Creatures in Star Wars
While Orbaks take the crown for being the most horse-like, there are a few other contenders worth mentioning:
Fathiers
These creatures appeared in The Last Jedi and are known as “space horses.” They are primarily used for racing and transport in the luxurious city of Canto Bight on the planet Cantonica. Fathiers have a sleek, horse-like appearance and are incredibly fast, making them perfect for the high-stakes races held in the city .
Tauntauns
Native to the icy planet Hoth, tauntauns are another example of domesticated creatures used by the Rebel Alliance. They are bipedal and resemble a mix between a reptile and a mammal, but their use as mounts in harsh conditions is somewhat parallel to the role of horses on Earth.
Do Orbaks Truly Resemble Horses?
In a word, yes. If you’re looking for the Star Wars creature that best embodies the spirit and utility of horses, Orbaks are your go-to. They combine the loyalty, versatility, and physical attributes that make horses invaluable to humans, all wrapped in a package that’s uniquely Star Wars.
Orbaks are the closest relative to horses in the vast tapestry of the Star Wars Universe. Their appearance, mannerisms, and use in the plot are all quite similar to the roles that horses have performed throughout human history. Orbaks are the true embodiment of the noble horse in a galaxy far, far away.