Meet Cindy Busby: The Woman Behind CBC Heartland’ Ashley Stanton

Cindy Busby's role as Ashley Stanton on Heartland really stuck with fans. Ashley's character may have last shown up in Season 7, but she's still a fan favorite! Cindy shared her experience on the show with us, covering everything from learning to ride to some of the funny moments that happened behind the scenes.

From a Beginner Rider to a Heartland Star

It's pretty fascinating that Cindy wasn't an experienced equestrian before she got the role.

"Fortunately, being a horseback rider was not a prerequisite… I didn’t ride previously. As soon as I found out that CBC picked up the series, I immediately took private lessons… It was important to me to portray Ashley as truthfully as possible, so I definitely felt it was important to be comfortable on and around horses."

This dedication to her role is evident in her performance, making Ashley's interactions with horses feel authentic.

Fan Encounters and Airport Silver Linings

The impact of Heartland is still felt by Cindy, even years later. She shared a heartwarming story about a fan encounter at Dallas airport:

"A lady came up to me… and said “Excuse me, are you Cindy Busby? My son and I just love you on Heartland… It was a silver lining moment for me. A reminder that unexpected things will happen and sometimes you need someone to snap you out of it. A fan’s smiling face is the best way to do that!"

This story highlights the show's enduring appeal and the positive connection Cindy has with her fans.

Working with Horses: A Calming Influence

Cindy also spoke about the calming presence of the horses on set:

"I think working with animals creates such a calming effect on set, especially with horses. They’re so serene and have a healing quality to them."

She also praised the expertise of the horse wranglers, adding to the authenticity of the show.

Behind-the-Scenes Fun: The "Vortex" and Hilarious Moments

No set is complete without its share of funny moments. Cindy shared a recurring joke about the location of Ashley and Caleb’s trailer:

"There was an ongoing joke about the plot of land that Ashley and Caleb’s trailer was on that we called the ‘Vortex.’… almost without fail it would seem to have the worst weather when we’d get there."

She also mentioned the cast's reactions to her portrayal of the "mean" Ashley:

"Graham (Ty) and Amber (Amy) would often crack up laughing… because they’d say “Cindy you’re so mean, but you’re not like that in real life so it’s just so weird to see you be cruel, it’s hilarious.”

These anecdotes offer a glimpse into the camaraderie and lighthearted atmosphere on set.

Ashley's Complexity: More Than Just "Mean"

Cindy provided insight into Ashley's character, explaining that her "meanness" was a defense mechanism:

"Yes, on the surface Ashley was ‘mean’… she deflects how she really feels with putting others down… The characteristics Ashley and I share is her hard-working nature, her sense of humour and her strive for growth and change."

This understanding of Ashley's motivations adds depth to her character and makes her journey throughout the series even more compelling.

The Heartland Family and Beyond

For Cindy, the best part of working on Heartland was the people:

"The best part was the people (cast and crew). They felt like family to me."

She also shared her positive experience working on Supernatural, praising the cast and crew's welcoming nature.

What's Next for Cindy Busby?

While Cindy doesn't currently ride, she remains open to future opportunities. She encourages fans to follow her on social media for updates on her upcoming projects.

This interview provides a fascinating look into Cindy Busby's experience on Heartland, offering insights into her character, her relationships with the cast and crew, and her life beyond the show.