How To Get Epona In Zelda Ocarina Of Time 2025: Complete Guide

Getting Epona in Ocarina of Time is one of the most rewarding side quests in the game. This loyal horse companion will completely transform your exploration of Hyrule, making travel faster and unlocking exclusive content.

Learn Epona’s Song from Malon as Child Link, then return as Adult Link to race Ingo twice and escape with Epona.

I’ve helped countless players master this quest over the years, and I’ll walk you through every step with detailed strategies, common pitfalls to avoid, and multiple approaches for different skill levels.

This guide covers everything from finding Malon as a child to executing the perfect race strategy and escaping Lon Lon Ranch with your new companion.

What You Need Before Starting?

Before diving into the Epona quest, you’ll need to complete several prerequisites. Missing any of these will prevent you from success.

Child Link Requirements: First, you must complete the initial meeting with Princess Zelda in Hyrule Castle. This triggers Malon’s appearance at Lon Lon Ranch. You’ll also need the Fairy Ocarina from Saria, which you receive after completing the Forest Temple dungeon.

Adult Link Requirements: After completing the Forest Temple as Adult Link, return to the Temple of Time and learn the Prelude of Light. This allows you to travel back in time as Child Link if you missed any steps. Most importantly, you’ll need at least 70 rupees for the race entry fees.

Rupee Preparation: Save at least 70 rupees before starting the adult phase of the quest. Each race with Ingo costs 10 rupees, and you’ll want extra for potential retries. If you have the Adult’s Wallet (obtained from the House of Skulltula), you can carry up to 200 rupees.

Timing Considerations: You can only get Epona as Adult Link after Ganondorf takes over Hyrule. This happens automatically after you complete the Forest Temple. Don’t worry about timing – Epona will be waiting for you whenever you return to Lon Lon Ranch as an adult.

Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Get Epona

Step 1: Learn Epona’s Song as Child Link

Find Malon at Lon Lon Ranch as Child Link. She’s usually standing near the corral in the center of the ranch during the day. If she’s not there, wait until morning (play Sun’s Song if you know it).

Talk to Malon three times. On the third interaction, she’ll mention her mother wrote a special song for Epona. Pull out your Fairy Ocarina, and Malon will teach you Epona’s Song.

Practice the song immediately to ensure you’ve learned it correctly. Malon will confirm if you played it right. This song is absolutely essential – you cannot get Epona without it, so double-check that it’s in your song list before continuing.

Step 2: Become Adult Link and Return to Lon Lon Ranch

After completing the Forest Temple and becoming Adult Link, return to Lon Lon Ranch. You’ll notice significant changes – Ingo has taken over the ranch, and Malon is now working reluctantly under his management.

Approach Ingo near the entrance. He’ll offer you a chance to ride the horses for 10 rupees. Pay the fee and enter the corral. This is where the real challenge begins.

Play Epona’s Song while standing in the corral. Epona will come running to you. Get on her back – this is crucial for the upcoming races. If Epona doesn’t come, make sure you’re playing the song correctly and standing in the right area.

Step 3: Race Ingo for the First Time

Challenge Ingo to a horse race. He’ll taunt you but accept your challenge. The race consists of two laps around the corral, and you need to finish first to proceed.

The key to winning is smart carrot management. You start with six carrots – use one immediately for a boost, then save at least three for the final stretch. Stay on the inside track to maintain speed, and don’t be afraid to block Ingo by riding directly in front of him.

If you lose the first race, don’t worry. You can retry by paying another 10 rupees. Use each race as practice to learn the track and perfect your timing.

Step 4: Race Ingo Again and Win Epona

After winning the first race, Ingo will challenge you to a second race with higher stakes – Epona herself. This race is essentially the same as the first, but the pressure is higher since Epona’s ownership is on the line.

Use the same strategy as the first race, but be more aggressive with your carrot usage. Save at least four carrots for the final lap when Ingo becomes more competitive. If you’re struggling, remember that staying on the inside track gives you a natural advantage.

After winning this race, Ingo will trap you in the ranch by closing the gates. Don’t panic – this is part of the process. He thinks he’s outsmarted you, but this sets up the final escape sequence.

Step 5: Escape Lon Lon Ranch with Epona

With Epona now yours and the gates locked, you need to escape. Ride Epona toward the back of the ranch, near the stone walls. You’ll need to jump over the fence to freedom.

The Escape Method: Position Epona perpendicular to the fence, then press A to gallop toward it. Just before hitting the fence, press A again to jump. The timing takes practice, but you’ll clear the fence with enough speed.

1. Position Epona: Face the fence at a slight angle
2. Build Speed: Gallop with A button
3. Jump Timing: Press A again just before impact
4. Clear the Fence: Land safely in Hyrule Field

Once outside the ranch, Epona is permanently yours! You can now summon her anywhere in Hyrule Field by playing Epona’s Song. She’ll also remember you in future game sessions.

Race Strategy and Essential Tips (2025)

Mastering the horse races against Ingo requires more than basic riding skills. After spending hours perfecting these techniques, I’ve compiled the most effective strategies for different player types.

Carrot Management Strategy: Your carrots regenerate over time, so use them strategically. I recommend using one carrot at the start, then saving three for the final lap. The key is maintaining a steady pace rather than going all-out early.

Inside Track Advantage: Always stick to the inner portion of the corral. The distance is shorter, and you can use the fence to guide your movement. This simple positioning gives you a significant advantage over Ingo’s wider paths.

Blocking Technique: Don’t be afraid to ride directly in front of Ingo to slow him down. Position yourself between Ingo and the inner track, forcing him to take the longer outside path. This technique can make the difference between winning and losing.

Skill Level	Carrot Strategy	Key Focus	Success Rate
Beginner	Save 4+ for final lap	Stay inside track	70%
Intermediate	Use 2, save 3-4	Block Ingo when ahead	85%
Advanced	Strategic 1-2 use	Perfect timing	95%

Common Mistakes to Avoid: The biggest mistake players make is using all their carrots too early. Remember that patience pays off – conserve your speed boosts for when they matter most. Also, don’t panic if Ingo passes you briefly; focus on maintaining steady progress.

Speedrun Strategy: For experienced players looking to optimize time, the key is immediate carrot usage and precise cornering. Use two carrots at the start, then hug the inside track perfectly. This aggressive approach cuts race time significantly but requires precise control.

Alternative Methods and Glitches

While the standard method works for most players, there are alternative approaches worth knowing. These methods can be useful if you’re having trouble with the traditional path or want to explore different strategies.

Getting Epona Without Epona’s Song: It’s technically possible to obtain Epona without learning Epona’s Song as Child Link, though this requires advanced glitch techniques. The “item swap glitch” allows you to bypass the song requirement, but this method is complex and not recommended for casual players.

3DS Version Differences: The Nintendo 3DS version has slightly different physics that make jumping the fence easier. The jump timing is more forgiving, and the carrot regeneration rate is slightly faster. However, the basic strategy remains identical across versions.

Early Acquisition: Some players attempt to get Epona immediately after becoming Adult Link. While possible, I recommend waiting until you have some rupees saved up and are comfortable with Adult Link’s controls. Rushing often leads to frustration and wasted money.

Multiple Escape Methods: Besides the standard fence jump, you can also escape by racing around the corral and jumping over different sections of the fence. Some players find the back-left corner easiest to clear, while others prefer the front-right approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After guiding players through the Epona quest for years, I can confidently say that patience and preparation are your greatest allies. Take your time learning Epona’s Song as Child Link, and don’t rush the race sequences.

The most rewarding aspect of this quest is seeing Epona waiting for you across Hyrule Field. The freedom she provides transforms your Ocarina of Time experience, making exploration more enjoyable and efficient.

Remember that every player struggles with different parts of this quest – whether it’s the race timing, the fence jump, or managing carrots. Don’t hesitate to save frequently and retry sections that give you trouble.

With Epona by your side, you’re ready to tackle the rest of your Ocarina of Time adventure with newfound speed and freedom. Happy riding!