Lightning is one of many farm animals found on the ship that the Robinson family sailed on.
Upon being brought to the island, Lightning is used to help the Robinsons build their treehouse.
On the day of the Robinsons' new holiday, Lightning is one of the animals who participate in the race, with Fritz riding him, along with Turk (ridden by Francis' monkey), Rocky the elephant (ridden by Francis), Clementine the ostrich (ridden by Ernst), and Duchess the zebra (ridden by Roberta).