She doesn’t just play a cowgirl on TV — she is one.
Amber Marshall, the heart of Heartland, lives a life that’s every bit as grounded and beautiful as the one we see on screen. While Amy Fleming heals horses on the show, Amber spends her real days on a 100-acre Alberta ranch, surrounded by animals, mud, and meaning.
She wakes up before dawn, feeds the horses, mends fences, films long hours, and still finds time to connect with fans through her YouTube series. There’s no glam squad — just grit, grace, and a lot of heart
Amber Marshall is more than just the face of Heartland’s beloved Amy Fleming—she’s a true cowgirl through and through. From sunrise rides on her Alberta ranch to checking calves in the middle of the night, Amber lives the lifestyle that Heartland fans have come to admire onscreen. In a candid conversation on COWGIRL Mic’d Up with Melissa Vogelsberg, she opens up about the real-life journey that’s run parallel to the show, her favorite four-legged co-stars, and the moments that have made 19 seasons feel like the ride of a lifetime.
From City Girl to Ranch Life
Though Amber always dreamed of owning a farm as a child growing up in Ontario—she even highlighted listings in real estate magazines at age 10—it was her role on Heartland that brought her west and planted her firmly in Alberta. “If it wasn’t for the show bringing me out here, I don’t know that I would have just thought, ‘I’m going to move out west,’” she says. “But this is exactly where I want to be.”
Read More: How To Watch Heartland In The U.S.—Where To Stream Every Season, Including Season 18
A Star and Her Steed
Amber has worked with hundreds of horses during her time on Heartland, but it’s Spartan—Amy’s iconic horse—that holds a special place in her heart. Originally played by a horse named Stormy, Spartan’s story eventually mirrored real life when Stormy developed arthritis. “He was sore… and starting to get grumpy. I said, ‘This isn’t right for him,’” Amber shares. So she suggested a new storyline—and a new Spartan. Her own horse, Hawk, stepped into the role. “Now I get to work with my own horse every day,” she says, calling the experience both meaningful and full-circle.
Amber vs. Amy
Fans often wonder just how much of Amy Fleming exists in Amber Marshall—and according to her, it’s a little bit of both. “I think that over time, my character has become more like me, and I have become more like my character,” she says. Though Amy’s focus is almost entirely on horses, Amber’s a bit more hands-on with ranch life. “I love working with cattle… Amy somehow always gets out of that,” she laughs. “But I love helping neighbors move cows or checking my own little herd during calving season. That’s my meditation.”
Life Beyond the Screen
Off-set, Amber wears a lot of hats—literally and figuratively. Between running her own shop, caring for her animals, and a whirlwind of travel (including recent adventures in Australia and New Zealand), she’s intentionally slowed things down. “I took on a little too much this winter… I hope to stay home more and enjoy what matters.”
Her Favorite Smells, Chores, and Boots
In a rapid-fire Q&A, Amber revealed that she secretly loves cleaning the chicken coop (she has six hens), always keeps ratchet straps in her truck, and prefers Ariats for boots. Her favorite time to ride? “Sunset, for sure. It’s my favorite time of day—warm light, cool breeze, and peace.”
For the Fans
Amber also shared a sweet moment with some young fans during the interview, reminiscing on being just eight years old herself when she first dreamed of acting with horses. “It wasn’t until I was 18 that I got Heartland. So I had to wait a little while before that dream came true,” she said with a smile.
And after nearly two decades as Amy Fleming, her favorite part? “Working with horses every day and getting to film in beautiful outdoor locations. A lot of actors are stuck in studios all day… I can’t imagine that.”
