To get Epona in Ocarina of Time, you must learn Epona's Song from Malon as a child and then return as an adult. Learn how to obtain Epona, win the races against Ingo, and more.
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How to Get Epona
There are two crucial steps needed to get Epona, the horse. First, you must learn Epona's Song from Malon in Lon Lon Ranch as a child, and second, you must return to Lon Lon Ranch as an adult.
Walkthrough to Learn Epona's Song
Epona's Song can only be learned after you have cleared Hyrule Castle. Malon in Lon Lon Ranch will teach it to you after talking to her a certain amount of times.
Progress Until You Clear Hyrule Castle

First, focus on progressing through the story until you clear the Hyrule Castle. Wake up Malon's father there in order to gain access to Lon Lon Ranch.
Head to Lon Lon Ranch

Go to Lon Lon Ranch which can be found in the center of Hyrule Field.
Talk to Malon 3 Times

Find Malon in Lon Lon Ranch to talk to him 3 times. Once the conversation above is shown, take out your Ocarina.
Take Out Ocarina & Learn Epona's Song

Upon taking out the Ocarina, Malon will teach you Epona's Song. Note that if you do not learn Epona's Song before becoming an adult, you will lock yourself out from getting Epona up until you clear the Forest Temple.
Walkthrough to Get Epona
After being an adult, you can now head to Lon Long Ranch to complete the required tasks to get Epona.
Progress Until You Become an Adult

Upon progressing enough through the story, Link will grow to be an adult. At this point, you will be able to get Epona.
Head to Lon Lon Ranch

Go on then to Lon Lon Ranch that can be found in the center of Hyrule Field.
Pay to Ride Then Play Epona's Song

After arriving in Lon Lon Ranch, pay 10 Rupees to sign up for a riding session. Play Epona's Song while in the ranch. Note that this riding has a one minute time limit.
Mount the Horse & Complete Riding

After playing the song, a horse (Epona) will appraoch you and you will be able to mount it. The session ends when the time expires or when you talk to Ingo.
Play the Song Again & Complete Riding Again

Sign up for the riding session again. Play Epona's Song and mount Epona again.
Talk to Ingo While Riding Epona

Once you have ridden Epona, go to Ingo near the entrance.
Win the Race Against Ingo

Upon talking to Ingo, you will enter a raise against him. Do your best to win!
How to Win the Race
| Tips to Win | - Press the A Button to dash at the start of the race - Cut corners as closely as possible - Manage you carrots. Do not use them all at once |
|---|
Win the Race One More Time

After winning, you will be challenged to another race. Do your best to win again!
Jump Over the Closed Fence

After winning, you can obtain Epona by jumping over the closed fence.
Are There Other Horses?
No Other Horses in Ocarina of Time
In Ocarina of Time, there are no other horses that you can obtain besides Epona. Make sure to complete all the requirements to get it!
If You Missed Getting Epona's Song
Go Back After the Forest Temple

If you missed getting Epona's Song while Link is still a child, you will need to return to this point in time. You cannot learn the song as an Adult. You will be able to go back to the Child era after clearing the Forest Temple.
▲ Click here for the steps to get Epona's SongDo You Need Epona?
You Don't Need Epona to Finish the Game

The intended method for crossing Gerudo Valley is by jumping across with Epona. However, you can circumvent this by acquiring the Longshot and using that to cross instead.
Apart from this, you can safely finish the game and defeat Ganon without ever obtaining Epona.
You Need Epona for Optional Content

| Content and Features That Require Epona | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Obstacle Course | Big Poe | ||
| Horseback Archery | |||
While you don't need Epona to finish the game, she is required to access certain optional content. If you want to complete 100% of Ocarina of Time, you definitely need Epona.
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