The direhorse (Pali in Navi ) is a bioluminescent, hexapodal, superficially equine animal. It is scientifically known as Equidirus hoplites. The Navi use the direhorse to hunt. The direhorse was conceived and designed by Cameron and Stan Winston Studios. The direhorse is grey with blue stripes and stands  tall,  long. The Navi "break" a direhorse by connecting the fleshy tip of their hair to the animals antennae. Xenobiologists call this a neural whip. Once intertwined, the Navi rider can communicate motor commands instantly through the neural interface; however, this connection does not lead to a lifelong, exclusive bond, as it does with the mountain banshee. Cameron described the creature as a "six-legged alien Clydesdale with moth-like antennae". The direhorse uses its long tongue to eat the sap out of pitcher plants.