Confession Time: I Disappeared Because of Heartland (and I Don’t Regret It)

I Owe You an Apology… But Also a Recommendation

I’ve been MIA lately—and I could pretend I was off doing something impressive, but the truth is a little nerdier. I found out Heartland Season 9 was finally on Netflix, and I lost an entire week to it. No shame.

If you somehow haven’t heard of Heartland, let me catch you up before I start crying over Spartan again.

What Makes Heartland So Addictive?

Heartland is Canada’s longest-running scripted one-hour drama. It premiered in 2007 and is still going—over 15 seasons in and counting. The story is set on a ranch in the foothills of Alberta, just outside Calgary. It’s peaceful. Grounded. And oddly comforting.

We meet Amy Fleming in Season 1 after a tragic accident that kills her mother while saving a horse. Amy survives, scarred but determined to carry on her mom’s legacy. Her sister Lou returns from New York to help run the family ranch alongside their grandfather Jack Bartlett, the steady rock of the series.

Amy works with troubled horses. Lou handles the business. Together, they rebuild something broken—with the help (and chaos) of friends, family, and the occasional rogue bronco.

Real Horsemanship, Real Emotion

One of the reasons Heartland stands out is how accurately it portrays horse behavior and training. Sure, Amy’s “Miracle Girl” talents sometimes stretch believability (liberty training, barrel racing, jumping, trick riding—you name it, she does it), but for a horse show, it gets a lot right.

From behavioral problems to equine injuries, the show dives into real-world horse challenges in a way that horse lovers appreciate—even if it’s not always textbook. And when it comes to emotional storylines? Heartland doesn’t hold back. Whether it’s Ty’s evolution from a troubled teen to a steady partner, or the highs and lows of Amy and Lou’s growing bond, the show isn’t just about horses. It’s about healing—on four legs and two.

Heartland Is for Everyone (Yes, Even Horse Husbands)

It’s easy to think Heartland is only for horse-crazy teens or longtime riders. But the truth? It’s for anyone who loves character-driven drama. I’ve heard of “horse husbands” who get just as caught up in Grandpa Jack’s quiet wisdom or Tim’s latest parenting disaster.

You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll argue over whether you like Caleb or Peter more. And you’ll get way too emotionally attached to a horse named Spartan.

Did You Know? Fun Facts About the Show and Cast

• Head writer Heather Conkie isn’t a horse person—but with wranglers and consultants, she’s helped create a show that’s impressively horse-smart.
• Amber Marshall (Amy) has been riding since she was 3 and met her real-life husband at an equine trade show.
• Amber’s wedding included horses, ponies, and dogs—and her grandma started riding lessons at 80!
• Shaun Johnston (Jack) originally auditioned for the role of Tim, but was cast as Grandpa Jack instead. He’s younger than he looks on the show—makeup magic helps!
• Shaun also plays guitar and hockey when he’s not stealing every scene as Jack.
• Graham Wardle (Ty) and Amber Marshall aren’t married in real life (some fans still haven’t accepted this).
• Alisha Newton (Georgie) became a horsewoman thanks to the show and now competes in hunter/jumper events. She’s even trained in mounted archery for her role.
• Spartan is played by over 30 different horses. The “main” Spartan is Stormy, who’s been with the show from day one. Due to arthritis, he mostly appears in calm or close-up scenes.

The Bottom Line

I came back to Heartland thinking I’d just rewatch a couple episodes. I stayed because I remembered how much this show means to me—and to so many others. Whether you’re in it for the horses, the family, the drama, or just the Alberta sunsets… Heartland has a way of pulling you back in.

So if I disappear again, you’ll know where to find me.