Meet Cindy Busby, CBC Heartland’s Ashley Stanton

Though it’s been a while since Cindy Busby last saddled up as Ashley Stanton on CBC’s long-running hit Heartland, fans haven’t forgotten her. Her departure in Season 7 left a noticeable gap, but her legacy as the fierce, stylish, and evolving Ashley remains iconic.

"I Didn’t Ride Before Heartland"

One might assume riding skills were a must for getting cast on a show like Heartland, but Cindy quickly debunks that:

“Fortunately, being a horseback rider was not a prerequisite… I immediately took private lessons as soon as I found out CBC picked up the series.”

She took it upon herself to learn, not just for the sake of the role, but out of respect for the show’s authenticity:

“It was important to me to portray Ashley as truthfully as possible. Horses can be intimidating, so I wanted to be comfortable on and around them.”

Fan Encounters, Silver Linings, and Airport Moments

Despite being off the show for years, Cindy’s role as Ashley still resonates—especially thanks to platforms like Netflix.

“I was at the Dallas airport during a layover and was flustered after my flight got canceled. Then a lady came up and asked, ‘Are you Cindy Busby? My son and I love you on Heartland!’”

It turned a bad travel day into a heartwarming reminder:

“A fan’s smiling face is the best way to snap out of it.”

What’s It Like Working With Horses on Set?

Cindy has only fond memories of filming with animals—particularly horses:

“They’re serene and have a healing quality… Each horse has its own personality.”

She credits the Heartland wranglers as “the real deal,” praising the behind-the-scenes mastery that went into making the equestrian scenes believable and beautiful.

Behind-the-Scenes Fun: Welcome to ‘The Vortex’

A favorite memory? The infamous plot of land Ashley and Caleb’s trailer sat on.

“We called it ‘The Vortex’ because every time we shot there, the weather was awful—rain, lightning, snow, hail—you name it.”

Eventually, production moved those scenes indoors. But the laughs didn’t stop:

“Graham and Amber would crack up saying, ‘Cindy, you’re so mean on screen but you’re the nicest in real life—it’s hilarious!’”

Ashley Stanton: Mean Girl or Misunderstood?

While Ashley had a reputation for being the “mean girl,” Cindy saw her differently:

“She deflects how she really feels by putting others down. She was a product of her environment.”

But her growth over four seasons was undeniable:

“Ashley started off a certain way, but her transition was incredible. I love how the writers matured her.”

Cindy admits they share some similarities too:

“Hard-working, a sense of humor, and her strive for growth and change.”

The Heart of Heartland: The People

When asked what she loved most about the show, Cindy doesn’t hesitate:

“The people—cast and crew. They felt like family. To this day, I still call many of them close friends.”

Guest Roles and Pranks: A Supernatural Detour

Fans may also recognize Cindy from her role in Supernatural. She got the rare opportunity to appear in two episodes—a big deal for a show where most guest stars don’t survive past one.

“Jared and Jensen are genuinely friendly and welcoming. I didn’t get pranked, though—so now I have some serious prank FOMO.”

City Girl With a Love for the Country

Despite her convincing horseback scenes on Heartland, Cindy admits she doesn’t ride anymore:

“I’m more of a city girl, who loves the country. But I always look forward to any excuse to get back on a horse.”

What’s Next for Cindy Busby?

While she couldn’t spill all the details just yet, Cindy teased:

“I have some things coming up and a few in the works… The best way to stay updated is through my social media.”

From the icy snark of Ashley Stanton to the warmth of real-life Cindy, her journey on Heartland remains unforgettable. Whether she’s riding horses or just riding life’s wild journey, fans can’t wait to see what’s next.