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

November 7, 2026

Epona makes crossing Hyrule Field much quicker in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. You cannot ride her immediately, though: Link must first learn her song, grow up and defeat Ingo in two races.

Spoiler warning: This guide covers a major progression step and contains story details. The instructions below apply to the Ocarina of Time remake described here.

Where to find Epona

Link standing in front of a girl with red hair and a small horse in Ocarina of Time.

After waking Talon, Malon’s father, outside Hyrule Castle, visit Lon Lon Ranch. Epona is in the field beside Malon, but she will move away if you approach her directly.

Speak with Malon to learn that Epona is wary of strangers but responds to music. Take out the ocarina and she will teach you Epona’s Song: X, Y, A, X, Y, A. Playing the melody calls Epona over. Because Link is still a child and Epona is still young, riding her is not possible at this stage.

Return to Lon Lon Ranch as an adult

Link talking to Ingo, who is asking him for 20 rupees to ride a horse in Ocarina of Time.

Once you have collected all the Spiritual Stones and can travel into the future, go back to Lon Lon Ranch during the daytime. Ingo has taken control of the ranch, which is now called Ingo Ranch, and he can be found near the horse field.

Pay Ingo 20 rupees to enter the field and ride a horse. Play Epona’s Song once you are inside, then ride Epona over to Ingo. He will challenge you to a race.

Beat Ingo’s two races

Link riding Epona around a race track in Ocarina of Time.

At the start of the first race, press A several times and keep Epona close to the inside edge of the track. Use A periodically throughout the race to maintain your speed. Ingo will challenge you again after losing, and he will be faster the second time.

Repeat the same approach: take the inside line, avoid wasting your speed and use A at regular intervals. You must win both races to claim Epona.

Link riding a horse toward a closed gate in Ocarina of Time.

Escape with Epona

Ingo reacts badly to losing and locks you inside the ranch. Ride around the enclosure and jump over the gate to escape. Once you are outside, Epona is yours.

From then on, play Epona’s Song whenever you need to call her. Epona can be ridden around Hyrule Field and in a small section of Gerudo Fortress, but she cannot accompany you everywhere.

More Ocarina of Time help

For more gaming and hardware coverage, browse RETROCADE’s Arcade Blog or explore the Arcade Machine Buying Guide for advice on choosing a cabinet.

The remake differs in some ways from the original, so a guide can be useful for difficult sections. Other walkthrough topics include every dungeon from the Deku Tree to Ganondorf’s Castle, as well as finding Richard the dog and collecting Cuccos.

For a 100% run, look for guides covering every Piece of Heart, Gold Skulltula token and Magic Bean planting location. Fans planning a dedicated retro setup can also compare RETROCADE’s arcade machines, bartop arcades and DIY arcade kits.