One of the most satisfying and iconic shots in the Zelda franchise and, dare I say, in all of gaming, is Link riding Epona for the first time. For newcomers, you might be surprised by the fact that getting the beloved steed is completely optional and missable. So, to save you some exploration headaches, here is how to get Epona in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake.
How to get the horse Epona in Ocarina of Time
First of all, you need to progress through the story until you meet Princess Zelda for the first time in Hyrule Castle. After you sneak in, speak to her, and learn Zelda’s Lullaby, you’ll be ready to start this Epona journey.
Travel to Lon Lon Ranch, located in the middle of Hyrule Field, and walk toward the paddock, where all the horses are chilling.
You will also find Malon, whom we recently helped by waking Talon, her prone-to-napping father.
Bring out your ocarina, and she will teach you Epona’s Song (X-Y-A-X-Y-A), making Epona completely infatuated with you.
Riding Epona as a child is impossible, so you’ll need to collect all three Spiritual Stones, open the Door of Time, and transform into Adult Link to be able to do so.
Once you’re seven years older and you have witnessed the aftermath of Ganondorf’s power and malice, return to Lon Lon Ranch. It is now called Ingo Ranch, named after his Ganondorf-sponsored new owner, Ingo.
Talk to him and pay him 20 rupees to enter the paddock. Once inside, play Epona’s Song, and the now-grown Epona will rush toward you.
Ride Epona and get acquainted with the horse controls. Once you feel ready, talk to Ingo while riding Epona, and he will challenge you to a race.
Racing Ingo is pretty straightforward. Consistently speed up by pressing A and stick to the inside of the track. Once you defeat him, he will throw a very childlike tantrum and ask you for a rematch, offering Epona as a reward for beating him a second time.
Defeat him again, and he will be true to his promise, with a catch. Yes, he will give you Epona, but he will also lock you inside the ranch forever. Or at least that’s what he intended to do.
Ride Epona and jump over the main gate or the fence wall on the east side of Ingo Ranch, and you’ll escape. Now, you can enjoy Epona’s speed and overall magnificence.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake is available now, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.
