OOT How To Get Epona Steps And Requirements
Unlocking Epona in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of the most rewarding milestones for players exploring the vast kingdom of Hyrule. Having a trusty steed significantly speeds up travel across Hyrule Field and grants access to specialized mini-games and hidden collectibles. Understanding the exact requirements and step-by-step process ensures you secure your loyal companion as early as possible.
Child Link Requirements and Learning Epona Song
The quest to claim Epona actually begins during Link's childhood phase long before pulling the Master Sword. You must visit Lon Lon Ranch located directly in the center of Hyrule Field after meeting Princess Zelda.
Head into the main corral where Malon is standing near the young horses. Speak with her three times until she mentions her special song, then pull out your Ocarina while standing beside her. Malon will teach you Epona's Song, which serves as the permanent key to calling the horse throughout your adventure.
Adult Link Prerequisites and Challenging Ingo
When you return to Lon Lon Ranch seven years later as Adult Link, you will find that the greedy Ingo has taken over the property under Ganondorf's reign. Before attempting to get Epona, ensure you have collected at least 70 Rupees in your wallet.
Speak to Ingo at the entrance and pay him 10 Rupees to enter the horse rental paddock. Do not attempt to ride the standard horses provided in the ring. Instead, pull out your Ocarina and play Epona's Song to summon the familiar reddish-brown mare directly to your side.
Winning the Horse Races Against Ingo
Mount Epona and spend your initial trial time practicing jumping over the inner fences to gain familiar footing with her movement. Once your rental time expires and Ingo kicks you out, pay another 10 Rupees to enter the paddock a second time.
Call Epona with her song once again, mount her, and Z-target Ingo to talk to him while riding. He will challenge you to a horse race around the track for a wager of 50 Rupees.
Stick to the inside lane of the racetrack and use your carrot boosts sparingly to beat Ingo to the finish line. Outraged by his loss, Ingo will immediately demand a rematch with ownership of Epona as the ultimate prize. Defeat him a second time using the same inner-track strategy while blocking his attempts to pass you.
Escaping Lon Lon Ranch and Summoning Epona
Furious after losing his second race, Ingo locks the ranch gates to keep you trapped inside forever. To complete the quest, build up maximum speed with Epona and aim directly at the outer fence or low wall surrounding the ranch.
Epona will leap gracefully over the barrier, landing safely in Hyrule Field and permanently unlocking her for the rest of your playthrough. From this point forward, playing Epona's Song anywhere on the overworld map instantly summons her to your location. Riding her allows you to cross Hyrule in seconds while firing your Fairy Bow from horseback during your travels.