Learn how to unlock Epona in the Ocarina of Time remake.

Background: A Launched Remake And An Optional Steed

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake has officially launched, bringing players back to Hyrule to face the evil King of the Gerudo, Ganondorf. Along the way, the horse Epona is one of the most important allies, but acquiring her is completely optional. Players who do not explore may miss her entirely.

Early Timeline: Learn Epona's Song As Young Link

The quest begins in the past. Link must be Young Link when he visits Lon Lon Ranch, located in the middle of Hyrule Fields. The visit must happen during daytime; if it is night, the player can wait or play the Sun Song.

At the main corral, Malon sings beside Epona. After speaking with her, the player learns that she has a song that soothes the animals. With the conversation finished, the player should stand next to Malon and pull out the Ocarina. This prompts Malon to teach Epona's Song, which is needed later as Adult Link. Nothing else is required at the ranch during this past phase.

Mid Timeline: Return To Lon Lon Ranch As Adult Link

The next step occurs after Link acquires the Master Sword and becomes an adult. The ranch visit can be made as soon as the player leaves Hyrule Castle Town and sees what Ganondorf has done to it; the sages and temples can be ignored for this task.

Spoiler alert: At this point, Talon is missing, Malon is reduced to working in the stables, and Ingo controls the ranch thanks to Ganondorf. To get Epona, the player should speak with Ingo outside the corral. He offers horse riding inside for 20 Rupees. After paying and entering the corral, the player should not choose a random horse. Instead, take out the Ocarina and play Epona's Song. There may be no clear confirmation sound, but Epona will run to Link. Mounting her lets the player practice around the corral, including small jumping fences.

First Race: Beat Ingo Around The Corral For 20 Rupees

While riding Epona, the player should approach Ingo and speak to him. He challenges Link to a race for 20 Rupees, citing Epona's history of throwing riders. The first race is a single lap around the corral and is relatively easy because Ingo does not seem to try hard.

However, losing is still possible if the speed boost mechanic is ignored. The six carrot icons shown at the bottom of the screen can be spent with the A button for short bursts of speed, and they refill over time. For the first race, the player should use two carrots near the start and first turn, two during the straightaway, and the final two when turning toward the finish line.

Second Race: Stay Ahead Through The Straight And Last Turn

Beating the first race makes Ingo demand another race. Winning that second race gives Epona to the player. In the second race, Ingo starts moving before the official signal and is faster. The key is to be ahead of him during the straight after the first turn, where he builds momentum. The player should use around three carrots in that section.

The player should also keep at least one carrot for the final turn just before the finish line. That last boost helps secure the win and prevents Ingo from catching up.

Final Escape: Charge The Gate And Summon Epona In Hyrule Fields

Spoiler alert: After losing the second race, Ingo closes the gates in a desperate attempt to trap Link. The player should ride Epona back several meters, use the carrots to build high speed, and charge the gate head on. The jump clears Ingo and triggers a cutscene in which Link escapes with Epona.

Current Stage: The Mount Is Available Anytime In Hyrule Fields

With the escape complete, Epona becomes a trusted steed. The player can summon her at any time in Hyrule Fields by playing Epona's Song on the Ocarina.