Amber Marshall Takes on the Role of Mom
Amber Marshall on Amy’s Growth, Horses, and Motherhood in Heartland
Back in the fall of 2017, I had the chance to spend two days on the set of Heartland, the long-running CBC series adored by fans across generations. While there, I sat down with Amber Marshall, who’s played Amy Fleming since the very beginning. We talked about horses, her character’s growth, and what it really means for Amy to become a mom—both in the story and in spirit.
“I still love horses, there’s no secret about that.”
After more than a decade on Heartland, Amber’s love for horses hasn’t faded.
“This year is especially rewarding for me, because Amy wasn’t riding at all last year,” she said. “To be back on a horse on Heartland felt really good. My joy wasn’t acting—it was just being back doing what I love.”
For Amber, it’s not just about playing the role—it’s about living it.
Season 11: A New Chapter for Amy and Ty
Longtime fans of Amy and Ty’s journey were given something new in Season 11. Their relationship entered a different phase, one that reflected real life more than ever.
“It’s fresh, it’s new,” Amber shared. “Those who’ve followed Amy and Ty for over a decade get to see them in a whole new light. It’s really important—for young families especially—to see that shift.”
Amy and Ty stepping into parenthood became one of the most meaningful shifts in the show’s history.
The Heart of the Show Is Still the Horses
When asked about her favorite scenes to film, Amber didn’t hesitate.
“Definitely the horse scenes. Especially the liberty ones—they’re still my favorite. But I also love the emotional scenes with horses, when Amy turns to them for comfort. Horses don’t fake it. They ground you. That’s what makes Heartland so real.”
Behind the Scenes with Amber: Wardrobe, Animals, and Real Life
Fans might assume TV wardrobes are glamorous, but Amber appreciates practicality.
“I’m really happy I don’t have to wear a dress to work every day,” she laughed. “Amy’s wardrobe is comfortable and functional. I look at actors on other shows in high heels and think—I’m glad that’s not me.”
And what about her off-screen animals?
“No new horses lately—just chickens and turkeys coming and going,” she joked. “But nothing major. I keep it manageable with the long hours we work.”
Amy’s Journey: From Losing a Mom to Becoming One
Amber reflected on Amy’s arc from Season 1 to Season 11—a full-circle story.
“It’s rare to tell a story over this many years. Viewers got to grow up with Amy. She lost her mom. She faced challenges. And now she’s a mom herself. It’s powerful. She gets to pass down the same love for horses her mom gave her.”
The Real Joy in Acting
For Amber, acting isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle.
“I love the spontaneity. The different locations. I could never do a desk job,” she said. “Every day is new. I get to play for a living—and that’s something not many people can say.”
Furry (and Feathered) Co-Stars
It turns out Amber’s real-life pets often make surprise appearances.
“My cats show up in the vet clinic scenes. My pony Talon, who plays Monty, is back too. And yes—my turkeys are in a few scenes at the Granger Wildlife Centre,” she laughed.
Amy’s Challenges—and Her Comeback
When Amy stepped back from riding after becoming a mom, some fans questioned the change.
“That break was necessary for growth,” Amber explained. “When Amy became pregnant, she lost confidence. She wasn’t doing her horse whispering. Georgie stepped in more. But that gave Amy room to miss it—to rediscover her passion.”
Amber believes that kind of setback is vital in storytelling:
“Your character comes so far—and then what? You need them to take a step back in order to grow more. That’s how real life works too.”
What’s Next?
After so many seasons, Amber knows finding new stories is always a challenge.
“My favorite arcs are still the ones with Amy, horses, and that bit of Heartland magic,” she said. “And I hope we never lose that.”
