The beloved Canadian drama Heartland, set against the stunning backdrop of southern Alberta’s ranch country, has captivated audiences with its compelling stories of family, adventure, and, of course, horses. At the heart of the series is Amy Fleming, a young woman with an extraordinary talent for healing and training horses. Portraying this gifted character is Amber Marshall, an actress who shares Amy’s deep passion and connection to these magnificent animals. This interview, originally published in 2011, delves into Marshall’s life, her journey with horses, and her experience bringing Amy Fleming to life on screen.
Marshall, who grew up in London, Ontario, has been riding since she was a toddler. Her life is a testament to her love for animals; she now resides on a ranch south of Calgary, Alberta, surrounded by a menagerie of horses, dogs, cats, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and steers. Her journey to Heartland was a natural progression, fulfilling a lifelong dream of working with horses in Alberta. As she puts it, “when I read the script I thought: This is my dream character!” The opportunity to combine her acting career with her passion for horses and the Albertan landscape was irresistible.
A Lifelong Equestrian Journey
Marshall’s equestrian journey began at the tender age of three, with a memorable encounter on a pony ride at a local fair igniting a lifelong love affair with horses. This early fascination led to regular visits to a farm and eventually to hunter-jumper lessons at age ten. By thirteen, she had her first horse and began training. Her equestrian interests later expanded to Western Pleasure, before transitioning to the world of Heartland.
“I first started riding when I was about three years old,” Marshall shared. Her early experiences were primarily English-focused, but her move to Alberta for the show opened her eyes to the nuances of Western riding culture. She now owns multiple horses, including Pepsi, a Welsh-Paint cross; Cash, a young stud colt; and Tango, a black Quarter Horse. She also keeps her mother’s horse from Ontario.
While she appreciates both English and Western riding styles, Marshall finds herself drawn to trail riding and has ambitions to train Tango for team roping. She even occasionally saddles up Pepsi for some English jumping, much to his enjoyment. This versatility reflects her and Amy’s shared philosophy: a deep connection with a horse is paramount, regardless of the discipline. This inclusive approach challenges the sometimes rigid traditions of the equestrian world, encouraging riders to explore and enjoy various facets of horsemanship. For those looking to understand different training philosophies, exploring resources on barrel racing horse training could offer valuable insights into specialized equestrian skills.
Behind the Scenes with Stormy
A significant part of Amy Fleming’s on-screen life involves her relationship with “Spartan,” the horse she is most often seen with. In reality, this remarkable equine actor is named Stormy. Stormy has been with the show since its inception and has become an accomplished performer, expertly navigating set markings and cues.
“I love that horse,” Marshall exclaimed. “His real name is Stormy. He’s been with us since day one on the show. He knows his role, and he’s so good.” Unlike new horses who might be intimidated by the cameras and lights, Stormy remains calm and focused, a testament to his training and temperament. This professional demeanor allows the actors to create believable and emotional scenes with their equine co-stars.
Embodying Amy Fleming
Having portrayed Amy Fleming for several seasons, Marshall feels a profound connection to her character, stating, “I sort of think that Amy and me have become one!” She admires Amy’s down-to-earth nature, her compassion for animals, and her unwavering dedication to their well-being. Playing Amy has profoundly influenced Marshall’s personal life, inspiring her to acquire her own acreage and create a life centered around her animals, mirroring the protagonist’s ethos.
Amy’s diverse equestrian pursuits on the show, ranging from rodeo events and colt starting to show jumping, reflect a holistic approach to horsemanship. Marshall believes Amy possesses a competitive spirit but also a deep desire to follow in her mother’s footsteps, embracing a growing maturity. The character’s evolution, like her exploration of various equestrian activities, provides a dynamic and engaging narrative for viewers. Marshall is eager to see where Amy’s journey will lead in future seasons. For those interested in specific training techniques, understanding barrel horse training exercises can provide a glimpse into the dedication required for high-level equestrian sports.
A Message of Inclusivity
Marshall hopes that Heartland conveys a message of inclusivity within the equestrian community. She recalls a time when it was “kind of frowned upon in my barn (in London) if you put on a Western saddle.” The show aims to teach young viewers that the most important aspect of interacting with horses is the connection formed, regardless of the specific discipline. This message encourages passion and participation, celebrating the joy of horsemanship in all its forms. Individuals seeking to expand their equestrian knowledge might find resources on gymkhana horse training to be particularly enlightening about diverse equestrian sports.
Marshall’s dedication to animals extends beyond her acting career. Her personal ranch and her involvement with Heartland underscore a commitment to promoting a compassionate and knowledgeable approach to animal care and equestrianism. As the show continues, fans eagerly anticipate seeing how Amy Fleming, and by extension Amber Marshall, will continue to grow and inspire within the world of horses. For more on the intricacies of equestrian training and the personalities within the industry, exploring topics like paul humphrey horse trainer can offer further insights into the diverse world of horse professionals.
