Meet Cindy Busby: The Actress Behind CBC Heartland’s Ashley Stanton

Though Cindy Busby left Heartland in Season 7, her portrayal of the spirited and sometimes divisive Ashley Stanton still resonates with fans. From learning to ride horses to unforgettable fan encounters, Cindy shares her heartfelt memories from the set and beyond.

From City Girl to Saddle Queen

You might think playing Ashley Stanton required Cindy to be a seasoned equestrian, but she was far from it when she landed the role. “I didn’t ride at all before Heartland,” Cindy admits. “But as soon as CBC picked up the series, I decided to take private lessons. I wanted to make sure I could portray Ashley authentically.” She also worked with horse wranglers on set in Calgary.

“Horses can be intimidating,” she shares, “but it was important for me to feel comfortable around them. They’re such beautiful, powerful creatures, and I wanted that to come through on screen.”

A Fan Encounter That Made Her Day

Even years after her time on Heartland, Cindy still gets recognized as Ashley—especially with the show’s resurgence on Netflix. One fan encounter at Dallas airport stands out.

“My flight had been canceled, and I was feeling really frustrated,” Cindy recalls. “Out of nowhere, this lovely woman approached me and said, ‘Are you Cindy Busby? My son and I love you on Heartland! Can I get a picture?’”

The woman’s kindness was a silver lining for Cindy. “It was her first time flying, and she was so excited. That moment reminded me how much impact a kind word or smile can have. It completely shifted my mood.”

The Magic of Working with Horses

For Cindy, working with horses was an unexpected joy. “There’s something so serene about them—they’re calming, almost therapeutic. Watching them interact with each other was fascinating because, like humans, they all have unique personalities.”

She credits the Heartland wranglers with helping her feel at ease. “They were amazing at getting the horses to do exactly what was needed for a scene. It was incredible to watch.”

Behind-the-Scenes Laughs

The Heartland set wasn’t just about hard work—it was full of humor too. Cindy remembers the infamous “Vortex,” the nickname for Ashley and Caleb’s trailer location.

“Every time we filmed there, the weather was extreme—rain, hail, lightning, you name it. Eventually, they built an indoor set for the trailer scenes because it was just too unpredictable.”

Her co-stars, Amber Marshall (Amy) and Graham Wardle (Ty), loved poking fun at her. “They’d joke after scenes, saying, ‘Cindy, you’re so mean as Ashley, but you’re the nicest person in real life. It’s hilarious!’ I loved playing into Ashley’s sass—it was all in good fun.”

Ashley Stanton: More Than Meets the Eye

On the surface, Ashley Stanton could be seen as a “mean girl,” but Cindy sees more to her character. “Ashley was complicated. She had a lot of insecurities, and she deflected them by putting others down. That behavior came from her environment—being spoiled and seeing her mom manipulate situations to get what she wanted.”

Cindy also admires Ashley’s growth. “She worked hard, had a great sense of humor, and really matured over the seasons. It was rewarding to see her evolve as a person.”

The Heartland Family

For Cindy, the best part of Heartland was the people. “The cast and crew were like family. They’re incredibly talented, kind, and hardworking. To this day, I still keep in touch with many of them. It was such a special experience to create something together that continues to touch people’s lives.”

From Heartland to Supernatural

Cindy also appeared in two episodes of Supernatural, an experience she calls “the best.”

“Jared and Jensen were so friendly and welcoming. The whole set runs like a well-oiled machine—it’s amazing to see. I didn’t get pranked, though, which gave me some serious prank FOMO!” she laughs.

Riding into the Future

Though Cindy doesn’t ride much these days, she still holds a soft spot for horses. “I’m more of a city girl who loves the country. I can’t wait for the next opportunity to get back in the saddle.”

As for what’s next, Cindy has a few exciting projects in the works. While she can’t share all the details just yet, she encourages fans to stay connected through her social media for updates.

Cindy Busby may have left Heartland, but Ashley Stanton’s legacy—and Cindy’s love for the role—continue to shine brightly.

Working on Heartland was filled with humorous moments. She fondly remembers the "Vortex" - a plot of land notorious for unpredictable weather that would challenge the production team. Her castmates, Graham and Amber, would often tease her about her character's mean persona, finding humor in the stark contrast between Busby's real personality and Ashley's on-screen demeanor.

Understanding Ashley's Character

Busby offers a nuanced perspective on Ashley's character development. While Ashley was initially perceived as mean, she sees her as a complex individual shaped by her environment. "She was a product of her upbringing," Busby explains. "It's easy to judge without understanding someone's background."

She highlights the character's growth, appreciating how the writers allowed Ashley to mature over four seasons. Despite their differences, Busby sees similarities in their shared traits: hard work, humor, and a desire for personal growth.

Beyond Heartland: Other Adventures

Her television journey also included a memorable stint on Supernatural, where she praised the welcoming atmosphere of Jared and Jensen's set. Though she hasn't continued horseback riding - describing herself as a "city girl who loves the country" - she remains open to future equestrian opportunities.

Looking Ahead

While Busby has upcoming projects in the works, she encourages fans to follow her social media for the latest updates. Her enthusiasm for acting and storytelling remains undiminished, promising exciting developments on the horizon.

Heartland may have been a chapter in her career, but Cindy Busby's passion for her craft continues to shine brightly.