In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, getting a horse makes travelling across Hyrule Field much faster and easier. However, getting the horse isn’t as simple as riding it. You will also need to win a race against Ingo to claim Epona as your own. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to unlock Epona, learn her song, and escape Lon Lon Ranch with your new horse.
Requirement: To obtain Epona, you must first visit Lon Lon Ranch as Young Link, meet Malon, and learn Epona’s Song, which will allow you to call the horse later in your adventure.
How To Get the Horse Epona In Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
Later in the game, once you become Adult Link, return to Lon Lon Ranch, which is now known as Ingo Ranch. Make sure you visit during the daytime, as Ingo will be standing near the entrance of the ranch.
Approach him, and he will offer to let you ride one of the horses inside the pen for 20 Rupees. Pay the fee to enter the riding area.
Once you’re inside the horse pen, equip your Ocarina and play Epona’s Song. Hearing the familiar melody, Epona will come running towards you. Approach her and mount the horse. While riding Epona, find Ingo and speak to him again. He will challenge you to a horse race.
To win the first race, you need to stay ahead of Ingo and prevent him from overtaking you. As soon as the race begins, press A a few times to make Epona accelerate. Try to reach the inside edge of the track early, as this will give you a shorter route around the course. Keep an eye on your carrot meter while racing.
After winning the first race, Ingo will become frustrated and challenge you to another race. This time, he will ride faster, so you’ll need to use the same strategy more carefully to beat him.
Once you defeat Ingo for the second time, he will refuse to accept his loss and lock the ranch gates, preventing you from leaving. While riding Epona, build up enough speed and head to the right side of the ranch gate. Use the carrots to accelerate and jump over the gate. Epona will clear the barrier, allowing you to escape Ingo Ranch.
