The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Guide | How to Get Epona

Here’s a guide on how to get Epona in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Game Guide by Ragib Rawnak on Nov 09, 2026

Riding across Hyrule Field on Epona is one of the most rewarding parts of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake.

Learning Epona's Song as Young Link

Your journey to get Epona starts early in the game when you are still young Link. After meeting Princess Zelda in Hyrule Castle and returning to Hyrule Field, head straight south toward the center of the map to enter Lon Lon Ranch.

Walk out into the corral to find Malon singing alone beside a small pony. Speak with her, and she will explain that the young filly is shy around new visitors. Pull out your Fairy Ocarina while standing near Malon, and she will teach you Epona's Song.

Play the notes back to her to commit the tune to memory. When you play the song in the corral, the young filly warms up to you and walks right over. She is still too young to ride, but this melody is essential for later in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Learning Epona's Song as Young Link

Returning to Ingo Ranch as Adult Link

After claiming the three Spiritual Stones, drawing the Master Sword, and awakening as an adult, return to Lon Lon Ranch during the daytime. You will notice the ranch has fallen under the control of Ingo, who renamed the property to Ingo Ranch and forced Malon to work the stables.

Approach Ingo by the track enclosure and pay him 20 Rupees to enter the corral for a horse riding session. Once inside, pull out the Ocarina of Time and play Epona's Song.

While the other horses remain skittish, a now fully-grown Epona will gallop right up to you. Mount her, spend a moment testing her steering, and practice leaping over the low wooden training fences inside the pen.

How to Beat Ingo in Both Races

While still mounted on Epona, ride directly over to Ingo and speak with him. He will challenge you to a one-lap race around the outer perimeter for a wager of 20 Rupees.

As soon as the race starts, veer sharply toward the rail to cut off Ingo and secure the inside lane. Use the dash button to gain initial speed, but never empty your entire carrot gauge at once in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

If you deplete every single carrot, Epona will come to a brief crawl to catch her breath. Instead, tap the dash button in steady intervals along the straight stretches, holding onto at least one or two carrots so your stamina recovers quickly.

After you win the first race, a furious Ingo challenges you to a rematch. This time, the stakes are higher: if you win, you get to keep the horse. Ingo rides much more aggressively in this second round and tries to block you into the fence.

Hit your initial speed burst immediately to jump out ahead, lock down the inside turn, and space out your remaining carrots along the final stretch to cross the finish line first.

Escaping Lon Lon Ranch

Realizing he lost the bet, a panic-stricken Ingo locks the exit gates, trapping you and Epona inside the ranch grounds.

Line Epona up with a clear runway to build speed, gallop toward the lower side fence along the perimeter, and spur her forward with your carrots. Epona will make a massive leap straight over the fence and land out in Hyrule Field.

Once you clear the jump, a cinematic plays confirming that Epona is officially yours. From this point on, you can play Epona's Song out in Hyrule Field or Lake Hylia, and your steed will instantly sprint to your side in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Beat Ingo in Both Races

FAQ

Q. What happens to Lon Lon Ranch after you escape with Epona?

A. Once you break out, Ingo comes to his senses and gives up control. Talon returns to take over management, Malon resumes running the grounds, and the ranch returns to its normal peaceful state.

Q. Can you ride Epona everywhere in the game?

A. No. You can only call and ride Epona in expansive outdoor regions like Hyrule Field, Lake Hylia, and the open grounds around Gerudo Fortress. She cannot enter towns, villages, or indoor dungeon areas.

Q. What should you do if Ingo passes you during the race?

A. If Ingo manages to slip ahead, stay pinned to the inside edge of the turns. Because he swings wide around corners, you can cut inside him on the turn and use a single carrot burst to retake the lead.

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