12 Things You Didn't Know About The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
10. Lon Lon Ranch Was Nearly Torched
Lon Lon Ranch brought us one of Ocarina’s more memorable moments. It's where Link gets introduced to Epona as a child, being taught Epona’s Song by Malon. Upon returning as an adult, he finds Ingo has taken it over through Ganondorf’s help.
Reuniting with Malon and Epona, Link gets challenged to horse racing by Ingo, who bets Epona and subsequently loses. Ingo then locks them in but Epona easily jumps the fences and they both escape. The Ranch then returns to Talon and you can freely participate in races, but it could’ve ended very differently.
Confirming within the Iwata Asks interview, Miyamoto revealed his initial vision, stating, “I imagined a scene in which Ingo, in a frenzy, sets the ranch on fire, so Epona jumps against a backdrop of flames”.
Realising this meant players couldn’t return there later, the idea was soon dropped but it’s another interesting route Ocarina could’ve taken.