On this page, we explain the conditions you must fulfill to eventually obtain Epona as your riding horse. This requires you to first learn Epona’s song as young Link and then, as an adult, win two horse races.
With Epona, you can catch Big Poe, compete in the Gerudo archery competition, and complete deliveries for the Biggoron Sword faster.
You also need Epona’s Song to obtain a Piece of Heart from the Frog Choir at Zora River.
You can also cover long distances faster on horseback.
Epona’s Song
Start as a child in Hyrule Field, outside Hyrule Town. From there, head straight ahead to the right, towards the large, shadowy building in the distance. A path will lead you a short distance in that direction, and then you’ll see the large gate of Lon Lon Ranch . Enter the ranch by going through the gate.
Once there, follow the path and go through the first door on the left. You’ll meet the man who sold milk in front of Hylian Castle. Play the chicken game with him to get a new Bottle filled with milk.
Go back out the door. Outside, continue along the path through another gate, which leads to the horse paddock. You can already hear the girl’s singing voice in the distance. She’s standing inside the paddock, which you can enter on the right. Go to her and talk to her. Then take out the Ocarina and lock onto it in the D-pad so Malon will teach you Epona’s Song .
Return to Lon Lon Ranch during the day as adult Link and bring 40 Rupees . Talon has disappeared. Ingo has taken over the ranch and now stands at the paddock gate.
Pay Ingo 20 Rupees for the practice ride. Play Epona’s Song in the paddock and mount her as soon as she’s with you.
Ride a lap around the obstacles and see how long Epona can maintain her pace after a carrot. You don’t need to ride a practice lap to the end for the race.
Ride to Ingo and speak to him directly from the saddle. He’ll challenge you to a race during your practice ride. The stake is 20 Rupees .
After the start, stay close to the inside fence. If Ingo is in front first, stay on your line and accelerate as soon as he opens up space on the outside. This way, you’ll cover less distance and won’t have to use every carrot at once.
Leave at least one carrot. Once another one has recovered, pick up the pace again. If you reach the finish line first, Ingo will want to race you again.
Revenge for Epona
In the second race, Ingo puts Epona himself at risk. He’ll now try to cut you off earlier. Go fast at the start, but save enough carrots for the final stretch.
Once you’re in the lead, stay near the inside fence. Only use as many carrots as you need to maintain your lead on the straights.
Win the second race as well. Ingo lets you ride Epona and immediately closes the gate to the plains.
Stay in the saddle and take a straight run towards the closed gate or a low spot in the outer fence. Accelerate just before the obstacle so that Epona jumps with you onto Hyrule Field.
From now on, you can call Epona in open areas using Epona’s Song. Our chapter Kakariko Village and Graveyard takes you from the farm to the next Piece of Heart at Lake Hylia.
Obstacle course at Lon Lon Ranch
Return to Malon during the day with Epona. Ride two laps and jump each fence. Missing a fence costs five penalty seconds. Beat the best time of 40 seconds. Malon will have the prize delivered to Link’s house in Kokiri Forest.