As a longtime Heartland fan and passionate horse lover, I couldn’t wait to explore the real-life stories behind some of the show’s beloved actors.
Over the years, I’ve found myself increasingly curious about whether the cast members actually live and breathe the ranch and equestrian lifestyle. After all, the on-screen chemistry feels so genuine, surely there must be a spark of real-life horse love that fuels it.
I’m thrilled to say it’s true. Here are three of the show’s actors who not only play horse enthusiasts on television but also carry that passion right into their personal lives.
1. Amber Marshall: A True Horsewoman
Amber Marshall has played Amy Fleming since Heartland first aired in 2007. Much like her character, she grew up around animals and started riding when she was just four years old. Though she initially trained in English riding, she embraced the Western lifestyle after moving to Alberta for the show.
Being cast as Amy meant she could combine her two greatest passions: horses and acting. Over a decade later, Amber admits the role has shaped her personal life in profound ways.
In the Official Heartland Blog, she revealed, “I believe that over the years my character Amy has become more like myself and vice versa.” This interweaving of real life and fiction is part of what makes her portrayal of Amy feel so genuine.
After purchasing a small farm near Calgary in 2009, Amber fully settled into ranch living. She later met her husband, Shawn Turner, and the two were married at that farm in 2013, surrounded by family, friends, and a menagerie of animals.
Today, they own a 100-acre ranch in southern Alberta, complete with horses, cows, dogs, cats, and even birds of all kinds. Whenever filming allows, Amber loves riding into the mountains, participating in team roping, or joining cattle drives, much like her character on Heartland.
Despite her hectic schedule, Amber credits her busy upbringing for teaching her the importance of balance. She finds inspiration in new challenges, whether it’s maintaining the ranch, working on set, or running her own business.
Some of Amber’s Animals Appear on Heartland
Amber regularly brings her animals to set, and a few have even made guest appearances on the show. Her Miniature horse, Talon, portrays Monty in Season 9, and her King Shepherd, Remi, stars as Georgie’s dog.
Amber enjoys sharing these personal connections with Heartland fans, who see her real-life farm family come to life on screen.
Watch Amber take a tour around her ranch and daily life:
She Has Her Own Country Store
To stay busy during her quieter winters, Amber opened Marshall’s Country Store in Diamond Valley, Alberta. The shop sells her own Amber Marshall apparel, along with Western wear, accessories, and home décor. Many items are crafted by local artisans who share her love of the rustic lifestyle.
During the store’s grand opening, Amber expressed her gratitude to fans for supporting her latest venture. She hopes the shop becomes a welcoming destination for anyone who appreciates country living as much as she does.
Watch the opening here:
2. Alisha Newton: From Show Jumping to Heartland
Alisha Newton joined Heartland at just ten years old, taking on the role of Georgie, a determined foster child who discovers her sense of purpose, and a new family, at the Heartland ranch. She’s always been drawn to horses, and her passion for riding has only intensified since stepping onto the show’s set.
She had her very first rides at her grandparents’ farm, using a western saddle on her grandma’s horse. By the time she turned ten, she was taking English lessons and quickly fell in love with show jumping. Landing the part of Georgie meant Alisha could merge her two biggest loves, acting and horses, into one extraordinary experience.
Learning to Ride and Competing
Switching to English riding highlighted Alisha’s natural gift for jumping. Balancing her filming schedule with consistent training can be tough, and insurance rules often limit her competition plans. Still, she maximizes off-season breaks to hone her skills and develop a deeper connection with her horses.
In an interview with Heels Down Magazine, she admitted, “It’s difficult to have competitive goals when I’m working all the time,” emphasizing the challenge of juggling two demanding careers. Despite the obstacles, she finds the rewards more than worth it.
Her Horses: Aflame and Diva
One of Alisha’s greatest joys is her Dutch Warmblood Pinto gelding, Aflame, whom she bought in 2015. She describes him as sweet but never shy about tackling higher jumps. On slower days, she sometimes allows younger riders to practice on him.
Her other horse, Diva, is a bay Oldenburg mare who excels in the jumper ring. Although managing two active show horses can be daunting, Alisha appreciates how each horse brings out a different aspect of her horsemanship.
See Alisha riding her horse Alisha:
Alisha Newton Does Most of Her Riding on the Show
Heartland often uses multiple horses to portray a single character’s mount, but Alisha has formed a special connection with Conamore, the spirited horse who handles Phoenix’s jumping scenes. She finds his “spicy” personality exhilarating.
Because she’s such a skilled rider, the producers let her do most of her own stunts, including show jumping and mild trick riding. High-risk jumps still fall to professional doubles, but viewers typically see Alisha in the saddle whenever Georgie rides.
Memorable Scenes and Future Goals
In an interview with Horse Canada, Alisha talks about her favorite moment on set was filming the final scene of Season 8, where Georgie faces a charging horse in an intense liberty sequence. She loves combining dramatic acting with her deep-rooted passion for horses.
Off-screen, she lives much like her character, spending most of her free time training and going to shows. She told Heels Down Magazine that combining acting and riding is a dream come true, and she views Georgie as “…a down-to-earth young woman who is not afraid to get her hands dirty in the barn.”
Looking ahead, Alisha hopes to explore eventing or cross-country, seeing it as a next-level challenge for both her and Georgie.
3. Shaun Johnston: The Cowboy Spirit of Heartland
Shaun Johnston brings Grandpa Jack to life as the wise, steady head of the Heartland family. Although he’s younger than his on-screen character, he shares Jack’s ranching roots, having grown up on a working cattle ranch where horses were part of everyday life.
He credits this rural upbringing with helping him authentically portray a no-nonsense cowboy. His background in ranch work informs everything from the way he sits in the saddle to the manner in which he delivers Jack’s sage advice.
Shaun Johnston Had No Intention of Playing Grandpa Jack
Originally, Shaun auditioned for Tim Fleming, but got called back for Jack, a role he now says feels like a perfect fit. Skilled makeup artists help him appear older on set, and he worked diligently to develop Jack’s trademark walk and gravelly voice.
Despite the age gap, he feels completely at home in Jack’s boots, sharing the character’s devotion to family and deep respect for ranch life.
Is Jack’s Mustache Real on Heartland?
In earlier seasons, the mustache was a makeup-room addition. Shaun later grew his own, cementing it as part of Jack’s unmistakable style. It’s now so iconic that fans can’t imagine Grandpa Jack without it.
Does Jack Really Ride Horses on the Show?
Yes. Shaun actually does most of his own riding, proudly claiming he’s the only major character never to have fallen off a Heartland horse on camera. He relies on stunt doubles only for more dangerous sequences, but the everyday ranching scenes are all him. His lifelong familiarity with horses makes these moments natural and genuine.
See Shaun Johnston in this recent video as he deals with the realities of country living:
Where the Heart Is: Horses and Heartland
From Amber’s hands-on ranch life to Alisha’s dedication to show jumping and Shaun’s embodiment of the cowboy spirit, these three Heartland actors bring a unique authenticity to their roles.
Their genuine love for horses shines through in their performances, deepening the connection viewers feel with the show and its characters. It’s this blend of on-screen talent and off-screen passion that makes Heartland such a beloved and enduring series.
