In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, one of the most memorable moments comes when Link earns the loyalty of Epona, the faithful horse. Acquiring Epona is not only a rite of passage for players but also a practical upgrade that transforms travel across Hyrule into a much smoother and enjoyable experience. Knowing how to get Epona in Ocarina of Time involves a series of specific tasks and careful timing, and missing a step can delay your ability to ride her. This guide explains every detail you need to follow in order to obtain Epona and use her for fast travel and memorable adventures across the world of Hyrule.
Requirements Before Getting Epona
Progress Through the Main Story
To unlock the opportunity to get Epona, players need to first progress through a large portion of the main storyline. You cannot ride Epona as Young Link; instead, you must complete the first three dungeons and then obtain the Master Sword to become Adult Link. This transformation opens up new gameplay possibilities and unlocks access to certain quests, including the one involving Epona.
Visit Lon Lon Ranch
Before you become an adult, it’s a good idea to visit Lon Lon Ranch as Young Link. This is where you will meet Malon and first interact with Epona. While you cannot ride Epona yet, you can begin to build familiarity, especially by learning a key item for this quest the song that calls her.
Learn Epona’s Song
How to Learn the Song
To start the Epona quest, you must learn Epona’s Song from Malon at Lon Lon Ranch. Visit the ranch during the daytime as Young Link. Speak to Malon, who will be outside in the corral singing. After speaking to her and showing her your Fairy Ocarina (or Ocarina of Time if you’ve already obtained it), she will teach you the song.
The notes for Epona’s Song are:
- Up
- Left
- Right
- Up
- Left
- Right
Play this melody whenever you want to summon Epona later in the game, as long as you’re in an open field area where she can reach you.
Return as Adult Link
What Changes After You Grow Up
Once you’ve completed the initial stages of the game and pulled the Master Sword from the Temple of Time, you’ll return to the world as Adult Link. Now, the world of Hyrule has changed significantly, and new tasks await. Lon Lon Ranch is now under the control of Ingo, a character who used to be a farmhand but has taken over during Talon’s absence.
Visit Ingo at Lon Lon Ranch
As Adult Link, return to Lon Lon Ranch during the daytime. You’ll find Ingo in charge of the ranch, offering horse-riding minigames for a fee. Talk to him and pay 10 Rupees to enter the corral and test ride a horse for 60 seconds. This is where your Ocarina becomes essential.
Impress Ingo and Win the Race
Call Epona
Once inside the corral, play Epona’s Song. Epona will trot over to you, recognizing the tune from your earlier encounter with Malon. Mount her by approaching and pressing the action button. Spend the rest of your time riding her around the track to get used to her handling.
Challenge Ingo
After getting comfortable, talk to Ingo again while on Epona. He will challenge you to a race, betting 50 Rupees. Accept the challenge, and you will enter a one-on-one race around the corral. Beating Ingo once will lead him to demand a rematch with higher stakes: if you win again, he will give you Epona.
Race Strategy Tips
- Use your carrots wisely don’t use them all at once, and wait for them to recharge gradually.
- Stay close to the inner track of the corral to reduce the distance traveled.
- Avoid bumping into fences, which will slow you down drastically.
Winning both races is not too difficult if you manage your boosts efficiently and don’t lose control of Epona during tight turns.
Escape the Ranch with Epona
How to Break Free
After the second victory, Ingo will go back on his word and try to trap you inside Lon Lon Ranch by locking the gates. However, you can still escape. Simply ride Epona toward any side of the corral that has a broken or low section of fencing. Line her up and use a carrot boost to jump over it. Once outside, Epona will be yours to summon at any time in the fields of Hyrule.
Using Epona After You Get Her
Where You Can Summon Her
Epona can only be summoned in areas where there’s enough space for her to appear. Open fields such as Hyrule Field, Lake Hylia, and parts of Gerudo Valley are ideal. Simply play Epona’s Song on your ocarina and she will gallop to your side.
Benefits of Riding Epona
- Significantly faster travel across Hyrule Field
- Access to horseback archery minigames later in the game
- Required for certain heart pieces and side quests
She also makes exploring more enjoyable and lets you escape enemies more easily when you’re caught in open spaces. Riding her becomes second nature the more you use her.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
Can’t Learn the Song
Make sure you visit Malon as Young Link during the daytime, and that you have your ocarina with you. If she doesn’t respond at first, leave the ranch and re-enter.
Can’t Beat Ingo
Practice managing your carrots and stick to the inside track. If you lose, you can always pay another 10 Rupees to re-enter the corral and try again.
Forgot the Song
Once you learn Epona’s Song, it appears in your song list within the pause menu. You can always reference it there if you forget the notes.
Getting Epona in Ocarina of Time is one of the most rewarding and memorable quests in the game. It adds a layer of freedom to your journey, allows for faster exploration, and represents one of the most iconic moments in the Zelda series. From learning Epona’s Song as a child to racing and escaping Ingo as an adult, each step of the process is packed with charm and meaning. With this guide, you’ll be galloping across Hyrule in no time just remember to keep your ocarina ready and your carrots stocked.