Yes, you can get a horse in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and it is essential for faster travel across Hyrule Field. The horse you seek is the famous Epona, and you can obtain her as both a child and an adult.
Why Epona Matters in Hyrule
Getting Epona is a big step in your Ocarina of Time adventure. A horse lets you zoom across Hyrule Field quickly. It makes fetching items and reaching new places much faster. While the game offers other ways to travel, like using Ocarina of Time warp secrets (like the Song of Time to return to the Temple of Time), nothing beats the speed of a trusty steed.
It is important to note that the mechanics are slightly different between the Nintendo 64 version and later remakes, but the core steps remain the same. While some players enjoy comparing it to Twilight Princess horse mechanics, in Ocarina of Time, Epona is a fixed companion, not a customizable one you can call from anywhere early on.
Getting Epona as a Child Link
Getting Epona when you are young Link is the first hurdle. You cannot ride her right away, but you must learn the song associated with her first.
Learning Epona’s Song
You need to visit Lon Lon Ranch south of Hyrule Field. Inside the main building, you will find Malon. Speak to her until she offers to teach you a song.
| Step | Action Required | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enter Lon Lon Ranch | South Hyrule Field | Go through the main gate. |
| 2 | Find Malon | Inside the Lon Lon Ranch house | She is usually near the center. |
| 3 | Talk to Malon Repeatedly | Speak until she offers to teach you | You must talk to her several times. |
| 4 | Learn the Song | Play the notes she shows you | This unlocks Epona’s Song for your Ocarina. |
Playing this song instantly calls Epona to you when you are in Hyrule Field. If you are inside the ranch, she will simply whinny happily. This song is the key to teaching Epona Lon Lon Ranch habits later.
The Child Challenge
As a child, Epona is wary of Link. She runs away from you. You can try to chase her, but it is nearly impossible to catch her or lead her to the small fenced-off area. You must wait until you become Adult Link to fully secure her services.
Obtaining Epona as Adult Link
To truly claim Epona, you must grow up first. Once you pull the Master Sword from the pedestal and become Adult Link, returning to Lon Lon Ranch changes things significantly.
Ingo’s Ownership
When you return as Adult Link, Ingo now runs the ranch. He is rude and claims ownership over Epona. He will not let you near her unless you pay up.
The Cost of a Ride
Ingo charges you 10 Rupees for a single ride on Epona.
- Go to the fenced-off ring inside the ranch.
- Play Epona’s Song on your Ocarina. Epona will run to you.
- Speak to Ingo and agree to pay 10 Rupees for a ride.
Once you are riding her, talk to Ingo again. He will offer you a second ride for 50 Rupees. Take the second ride.
Winning Epona
During the second paid ride, talk to Ingo again. He will challenge you to a race around the track. This is the start of Ocarina of Time horse racing.
The Race Rules:
- You must beat Ingo twice to win Epona permanently.
- Each race costs 50 Rupees to enter.
- You must cross the finish line ahead of Ingo.
Race Strategy
Epona is faster than the horse Ingo rides. The secret lies in knowing when to use your carrots (whistles). You have five carrots per race.
- Use Carrots Wisely: Do not use all your carrots right away. Ingo starts fast but tires quickly.
- First Lap: Use one or two carrots to get a slight lead near the start or middle of the first lap.
- Second Lap: Save at least two carrots for the final stretch of the second lap.
- The Final Stretch: When you see the finish line coming up, use your remaining carrots to sprint past Ingo.
If you win the first race, Ingo will be angry and challenge you to a rematch immediately. You must pay another 50 Rupees.
The Second Race Victory
Use the same careful carrot management strategy. Once you win the second race, Ingo loses his temper completely. He locks the gate and confronts you.
Escaping with Epona
After Ingo locks the gate, he essentially traps you inside the ranch with Epona. You cannot simply walk out the main gate while riding her.
This is where a little trick comes in handy.
- Ride Epona towards the wooden fence on the side of the ranch, opposite the main gate.
- Speed up and jump the fence with Epona. She is the only creature capable of making this jump.
Once you clear the fence, you are free! Epona is now yours to ride anytime you play Epona’s Song in Hyrule Field. You have secured the Epona whistle location for permanent use.
Riding Epona: Skills and Uses
Having Epona changes how you explore. She is much faster than running everywhere on foot.
Controlling Epona
You control Epona using the C-buttons (or the corresponding controls on modern systems).
- A Button (or B/Y depending on setup): Gallop (uses carrots/whistles).
- C-Up: Whistle/Call Epona (If she is not nearby).
- C-Left/C-Right: Steer left or right.
- C-Down: Slow down or stop.
Carrot Management
Epona has a limited stamina bar, shown by carrots on the screen. You get five carrots every time you call her or start a new ride.
- If you run out of carrots, Epona slows to a trot.
- She regains carrots slowly while trotting.
- If you manage your carrots well, you can maintain a near-constant gallop across most of Hyrule Field.
Horseback Combat
For a long time, players wonder about Ocarina of Time horseback combat. The short answer is: adult Link can use his sword while riding Epona, but it is awkward and not very effective against most enemies. It’s mostly for show or dealing with specific minor threats in Hyrule Field.
What About a Better Horse?
A common question for experienced players is, “How do I get a getting better horse Ocarina of Time?” Unlike some other Zelda titles, Ocarina of Time features only one standard horse: Epona. There are no options to trade her in for a faster breed or unlock a different color. Epona is the pinnacle of Hyrule speed.
Alternative Ways to Summon Epona
Once you have won Epona, she is bonded to you. You need the Epona whistle location knowledge, which is really just knowing the song.
If you cannot find Epona where you left her in Hyrule Field, simply play Epona’s Song on your Ocarina. She will appear nearby instantly. This works anywhere outside of towns, dungeons, or specific indoor areas.
Epona and Amiibo Functionality
For players using the 3DS remake or those playing the original game via Nintendo Switch Online (with added features), it is worth noting the differences regarding modern features.
If you happen to be playing a version that supports Epona Amiibo function (usually relating to Twilight Princess or Breath of the Wild figures), using the Amiibo might instantly summon Epona, often bypassing the need to learn the song or win the race in some contexts. However, in the original N64 or standard 3DS Ocarina of Time release, this feature does not exist; you must earn her through the race.
Why Children Cannot Race Epona
You might wonder why getting Epona as a child requires only the song, not the race. The developers programmed the race sequence to only occur after Link pulls the Master Sword. This serves as a natural progression gate. Ingo sees the adult Link as a bigger threat (or at least, someone worthy of the high-stakes bet), whereas he treats Child Link with disdain, hence his unwillingness to risk Epona in a high-stakes game with a kid.
The Song of Storms Connection
While Epona’s Song gets you the horse, the Song of Storms Ocarina of Time is another crucial melody. It is not used for calling Epona, but it is essential for progressing the story in areas like Kakariko Village and for dealing with the windmill man, Guru-Guru. It is a good idea to learn this song early, even if it is unrelated to the horse quest.
Summary of Earning Epona
The process is clear:
- As Child Link, learn Epona’s Song from Malon at Lon Lon Ranch.
- Travel to the future (become Adult Link).
- Go back to Lon Lon Ranch.
- Pay Ingo 10 Rupees for the first ride.
- Pay Ingo 50 Rupees for the first race. Win it.
- Pay Ingo 50 Rupees for the rematch. Win it.
- Gallop Epona over the side fence to escape.
This secures your partnership with Epona for the rest of your quest across Hyrule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I get Epona before I become Adult Link?
A: You can learn Epona’s Song as a child, but you cannot permanently win Epona or ride her freely until you are Adult Link.
Q: What happens if I lose a race against Ingo?
A: If you lose the first race, Ingo keeps your 50 Rupees, and you must pay another 50 Rupees to try again. If you lose the second race, he throws you out of the ranch, and you must wait for the day to reset or reload a save to try again.
Q: Can I summon Epona in Kakariko Village or Death Mountain?
A: No. Epona can only be summoned in large, open fields like Hyrule Field. She will not appear inside towns, forests, or dungeons.
Q: How do I use Epona in dungeons or inside towns?
A: You cannot take Epona into dungeons or most enclosed areas. When you enter these zones, Epona will usually stop just outside the boundary, or you will need to dismiss her by playing the Song of Time or warping away.
Q: Is Epona necessary to finish the game?
A: No, Epona is not strictly necessary to beat the game, but she drastically cuts down travel time across Hyrule Field, saving you hours of running.