The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time: How to Unlock Epona

The Land of Hyrule is home to many distinct regions that Link can explore throughout his journey in Ocarina of Time. Although the whole world is explorable on foot, getting a horse, specifically Epona, makes things a lot easier for traversal and exploration. Not only that, riding a horse through day and night lets you encounter Big Poe spirits and even compete in mini-games. In this guide, we will explain how to unlock Epona in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

How to Unlock Epona in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Unlocking Epona in Zelda Ocarina of Time requires you to complete Malon’s Friend quest. This quest is split between the Child and Adult timelines of Link. After meeting with Zelda at Hyrule Castle for the main story quest, head to Lon Lon Ranch to meet with Malon at the center of the corral. Here, you will unlock Epona’s Song (X-Y-A-X-Y-A). This song is used to call Epona to Link, but you can only ride Epona in the Adult timeline. After learning the song, progress through the rest of the quest and the main story quest until you enter the adult timeline.

Race Ingo and Escape with Epona

Once Link is an adult, head to Hyrule Field and go to Lon Lon Ranch. Here, you will meet Ingo, the new owner of the ranch. Ask Ingo to practice horse-jumping exercises for 20 rupees. Once you are inside the corral, play Epona’s Song to call her. Press the A button to mount Epona and then jump over some barricades for practice.

Go over to Ingo, and he will ask you to race him for a 20-rupee wager. The race is around the corral, so use the boost to gain speed over Ingo and cross the finish line before him. After beating him for the first time, he will ask for a second race. During the second race, his horse will be slightly faster. Use the boosts effectively on corners to gain an advantage in the race and keep a spare boost before the finish line to secure the win.

After defeating Inigo, he will not let you take Epona. Lastly, head over to the shorter barricades and jump over them with Epona to escape the ranch. This unlocks Epona as the permanent horse for Link in Zelda: Ocarina of Time.