In exploring Hyrule, you must understand that the area is vast and it would be hard and time-consuming to explore it on foot. To save on time and effort, you will need the service of your ever-loyal steed, Epona.

You can recruit Epona after leaving the Temple of Time as an adult. Only adults can ride her. In getting Epona, you have to follow each succeeding steps.

First, in the middle of the corral in Lon Lon Ranch, Malon will show up. This is after you see Princess Zelda as child Link. After talking to her thrice, take out your Ocarina so that Malon can teach you Epona’s Song. After this, collect seventy Rupees as adult Link and head down to Lon Lon Ranch to have a chat with Ingo. You got to give him ten rupees to ride a horse. Ride Epona instead of the other horses. You can call her with Epona’s Song. Practice riding Epona and as you jump over the fences, collect the blue rupees that are hidden.

You need to pay ten rupees more to get back to the corral and mount Epona. You can also talk to Ingo while riding her. For fifty rupees, he will challenge you to a race. As the race with Ingo begins, it is best to take the inside of the track to reach the finish line with the shortest distance. If Ingo goes your way, take the other side. You can use your carrots but do not exhaust all of them. Save at least one because it would take some time before they regenerate.

After beating Ingo, he will request for another race. This second race is about who will take possession of Epona. Be careful because this race is a bit tricky. As usual, run inside the track but do not allow Ingo to pin you on the fence or Epona will reduce speed. The best move is to push against Ingo and get ahead of him. Stay in front of him blocking his way until you win the race.

You have won the race but Ingo will not allow you to leave Lon Lon Ranch with Epona. To escape the ranch, you have to jump the gate with Epona. Get momentum and attack the gate head on so that Epona can jump over it. Jumping over the fence is another viable option to get away from the ranch.