(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Kristen Stewart has started preparing for her role in Snow White and the Huntsman by taking horse riding lessons.

The actress was seen at an equestrian centre in Palm Springs, California, over the weekend in scorching 117F heat.

Although the original Snow White character was never seen in the saddle, Kristen's role will apparently be more active in the remake.

The 21-year-old is undergoing a fitness makeover and getting herself into super shape for the part in the film, the first of a planned trilogy.

The movie will also star Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron as the Evil Queen and Thor heartthrob Chris Hemsworth will play the Huntsman.

Joe Roth who is producing the film told Entertainment Weekly what fans can expect.

"We retain the basic story, a young girl meant to be the queen who is cast out," he stated.

"The Huntsman is a mercenary, in the sense that he's a guy who is very able in the woods, more able than almost anyone.

"His job is to capture runaway girls, who are all fleeing the kingdom because of the queen. He's a nondescript bounty hunter, as we first meet him."

Snow White and the Huntsman is being directed by Rupert Sanders and is due out next year. (C) Cover Media