Link had known Malon ever since he and she were kids. Link had formed a close bond with one of the horses at the ranch, a red mare named Epona. When the ranch was overtaken by a man named Ingo, Link won Epona's freedom from him in a bet, and consequently, the ranch's. Malon was kind enough to let Link keep Epona during his adventures. When all was said and done, and Link had saved Hyrule, he returned Epona to the ranch. But that was just the beginning of Link's and Malon's relationship.
