While horseback riding in BOTW can be fun, it was Time’s Zelda Ocarina who started it by letting you get Epona. There were no horses running outdoors in this game, so only Epona was your only partner. And you could easily miss her if you didn’t learn her song in time. So here’s how you can learn Epona’s Song to tame her in The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time (OoT).
How to get Epona in Zelda Ocarina of Time
You need to know Epona’s song and beat Ingo twice in the race to get Epona in Ocarina of Time. You also need at least 70 rupees to race. The method is the same whether you’re playing the N64 version of the game or OoT 3D for the 3DS. Here is what you need to do to get Epona:
- Start by learning Epona’s song. You can only do this as a Child Link.
- After you meet Princess Zelda for the first time, head to Lon Lon Ranch. Here you will meet Malon. She will thank you for waking up her father.
- Talk to her three times and she will teach you the Song of Epona.
- Now, having advanced a bit in the game, go to the temple of time and transform into Adult Link.
- Then return to Lon Lon Ranch. It is now run by Ingo instead of Talon.
- Pay Ingo 10 rupees to ride horses.
- You can listen to how you know how to ride horses if you haven’t done it before, or skip his instructions.
- Now play Epona’s Song. Epona will now rush towards you.
- Ingo gives you 1 minute to ride. Use this time to practice racing with Epona. Also, run head first over the fences to jump over them and get back the lost rupees.
- Spend another 10 rupees and ride Epona again.
- This time, while on Epona, talk to Ingo and he will challenge you to a race. It will cost you 50 rupees.
- Defeat Ingo and he will ask you to race again, but if you win this race you will save Epona. Accept it, remember that if you refuse this offer, not only will you have to race with him again, but you will also lose your previous 50 rupees. Also note that the second race will be a bit more difficult. Ingo will try to block you many times. Therefore, it is important to take the lead as early as possible and keep it until you cross the finish line.
- Defeat Ingo a second time and he will give you a Horse but lock you into the ranch.
- Now just jump head first into any of the fences and you’ll get Epona!
Tips for beating Ingo in a race in Ocarina of Time
There are two things you need to do in order to defeat Ingo.
- Run closer to the fences: this will allow you to maintain your position or even get ahead of Ingo.
- Use Carrots Wisely: Make sure you don’t use all 6 carrots at the same time. This will make them recover slowly. The best way to use them is to overtake Ingo as soon as he gets outside a bit.
- Block Ingo: Just like he blocks you, you can block him too. Once you take the lead, make sure he doesn’t have another chance to get ahead of you.
That goes for this guide on how to get Epona in Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time (OoT). You should also be interested to know how to get Epona in Zelda BOTW.