Amber Marshall: Finding Heartland both On and Off Screen

Amber Marshall, best known for her role as Amy Fleming in the beloved Canadian drama Heartland, has a deep and abiding love for animals that extends far beyond the television screen. While she may play a horse whisperer on screen, in her everyday life, Marshall lives and breathes the rural lifestyle that Heartland depicts. She and her husband, Shawn Turner, have made their home on a sprawling ranch just outside of Calgary, where they share their lives with a menagerie of animals. Dogs, cats, pigs, chickens, turkeys, steers, a peacock and even an alpaca are all part of the Marshall-Turner family. And of course, there are horses - lots of them.

For Marshall, horses aren't just a hobby or even a passion; they're an intrinsic part of who she is. "Whenever it’s a sunny, nice day, I usually just stay home and ride my horse," she revealed. "My heart still falls for the horses over the Hogs. "This love for horses is something she shares with her on-screen character, Amy, making her portrayal all the more genuine and compelling.

This blurring of the lines between her personal and professional life brings a unique authenticity to Marshall's performance. The ranch setting of Heartland feels like a natural extension of her own life, and her interactions with the animals on set come across as effortless and heartfelt. It's no wonder that fans are drawn to her portrayal of Amy - they're seeing a side of Amber Marshall that is truly genuine.

While Marshall's love for animals is undeniable, this season of Heartland brings a new challenge: working with babies. At the end of season 10, Amy and her husband Ty (Graham Wardle) welcomed a baby girl, Lyndy Marion, into their lives. Now, in season 11, Amy is navigating the joys and trials of parenthood, all while trying to balance her passion for working with horses.

Working with a baby on set is a world away from working with animals, as Marshall has discovered. "For me, the last decade was about filming with animals, but kids are highly unpredictable, so there’s a freshness to it," she said. "It’s very raw and very real." She's even had to contend with hiding Lyndy's smiles when the scene calls for tears - a challenge any parent can relate to!

The introduction of baby Lyndy is a testament to Heartland's enduring appeal. Now in its record-breaking 11th season, Heartland is the longest-running hour-long drama in Canadian television history with the same cast.3 And it shows no signs of slowing down. With nearly a million viewers per episode and distribution in over 100 countries, including the US, Heartland has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Marshall believes that the show's success is due in part to the strong bond between the cast members. "I think this show’s cast has stayed together so long because there’s no ego on the set. We’re a pretty easygoing group to get along with. No one has let the show or stardom go to their head."3 The idyllic filming location, nestled in the foothills of the Alberta Rockies, also plays a part in creating a harmonious atmosphere. "We’re out in the wilderness and you can just take a walk and take a breather with nature," Marshall explained. "When you’re stuck in close quarters all the time, you’re not always going to get along."

The show's dedicated fanbase is a testament to its impact. Fans from all over the world travel to meet Marshall and the rest of the Heartland cast at events. "It’s just unbelievable," Marshall shared. "I’ll be at an event and meet people from Germany, Australia, or Texas." And they're all eagerly awaiting Amy's journey into motherhood. "I think the audience is going to really enjoy seeing Amy and Ty as parents," Marshall said.5

As for Marshall's own journey to parenthood, it seems like it's only a matter of time. "I would love to have children," she admitted. "Right now I have a very busy life. But my fans are hungry for me to have kids."6 With her love for animals, her down-to-earth personality and her genuine warmth, it's clear that Amber Marshall would make a wonderful mother - both on and off-screen.