After picking out a fine steed for himself, the prince chose Snow White a grey pony with plaits in its mane and that pranced around the corral as if it were dancing. She laughed and shook her head, her hair shining in the sunlight. ‘That’s no horse for me. I’ve always ridden a stallion. Let me choose.’ She pushed past him and walked along the line of stalls until she reached the furthest. Inside, a black beast pawed at the ground, eyes burning with rage at his captivity.

‘This one,’ she said.

‘Are you sure?’ Dreamy peered over the edge of the door. ‘He looks a little dangerous, even for you.’

‘That’s no lady’s horse,’ the prince said.

‘I’m with yer man,’ the horse dealer cut in, spitting tobacco into the sawdust. ‘That one won’t break.’

‘Let’s see, shall we?’ Ignoring them all, Snow White undid the gate and stepped inside the stable. The horse stamped his feet and shook his head, snorting angrily, but the slim girl stood beside him and stroked his neck, whispering quietly into the beast’s ear. After a moment, she gripped the thick mane and pulled herself effortlessly onto his back.

The beast reared and snarled but she stayed on, urging him out of the confined space and into the sunlight. She laughed as he tried to throw her, her face glowing with the sheer energy of life.

‘He’s going to throw you!’ the prince cried out. ‘Get down!’

‘I’m no chicken!’ Snow White called back. ‘Just watch me.’

And watch they did. It was all they could do as the horse and rider took to the corral and began their battle for command. Dreamy was in awe. She was so fearless; so alive in the moment. She had her father’s strength and her mother’s grace and beauty. She and the horse were as one.

‘She rides like a man,’ the prince said, as they watched her finally tame the beast to a canter, her thighs controlling him as they turned this way and that, her hair falling free from the loose bun. ‘What woman rides like a man?’

‘Oh, I don’t think there’s another woman like our Snow White in all the kingdoms,’ Grouchy said, pride clear in his voice. ‘You’re a lucky man.’

‘That horse is more powerful than mine,’ the prince said. He looked a little stunned and Dreamy squeezed his arm.

‘She’s a force of nature. You’ll get used to her.’

‘I suppose I shall.’

The horse came to a halt in front of them and whinnied as Snow White dismounted. She was breathless and flushed with excitement and she flung her arms around the prince’s neck. ‘What an amazing ride.’ Her voice was so sweet and warm that Dreamy could see the prince melting in it.

‘If you want the horse, he’s yours.’