Amber Marshall: Horse Girl Who Found Her Way Home on Heartland

For over 15 years, Amber Marshall has been a familiar and one of the most beloved face on Canadian television. As Amy Fleming in the popular CBC series Heartland, she’s shown us how to train wild horses, navigate family challenges, and find strength in quiet resilience.

Want to learn more about how Amy Fleming has grown over the seasons?, explore her character journey here.

A Crash That Changed Everything

Amy’s journey began with heartbreak.

In the very first episode, Amy and her mother Marion try to rescue Spartan, an abused horse, during a lightning storm. Their truck crashes. Amy wakes up in the hospital—her mother doesn’t survive, but Spartan does.

That loss becomes the foundation of Amy’s healing journey, both her own and the horses she helps. It’s also why so many fans connected with her right from the start.

The Role She Almost Missed

Amber grew up in London, Ontario, surrounded by horses and working in a local veterinary clinic. By 12, she had an agent; by 14, she was acting on TV. But her big break almost didn’t happen.

“I was filming another show and completely forgot about the Heartland audition,” Amber recalls. “I sent in a grainy VHS tape last minute. Somehow, it was enough.”

It was more than enough. She already lived the lifestyle. She was authentic, horse-smart, and exactly what the producers wanted.

Her connection with co-star Graham Wardle (Ty Borden) brought one of TV’s most loved couples to life—Amy and Ty’s relationship remains a fan favorite to this day.

Off-Screen, She’s Still a Horse Girl

Amber lives near Calgary on her own ranch with her husband, Shawn Turner, and their animals—horses, cows, dogs, and chickens.

“When I’m home, I just want to sit on a fence and watch my animals graze,” she says. “I don’t really want to act.”

She’s also built a lifestyle magazine, a merchandise line, and a dedicated online community—all focused on real connection, not celebrity.

“People started asking about apparel and jewelry, and it grew from there. But I’ve kept things local—Canadian-made, small-batch. It’s about heart, not profit.”

“We Don’t Whisper. We Listen.”

Amber doesn’t call herself a horse whisperer.

“You don’t whisper to horses. You listen. Every horse is unique, just like every person.”

Her approach has touched fans worldwide. Many write to say Heartland helped them through grief, illness, or trauma—something Amber never expected when she first stepped on set.

Finding Peace in the Barn

Amber’s teenage years weren’t perfect. She faced bullying and often felt out of place. The barn was her safe space.

“I’d spend hours at the barn after school. The animals needed me, and I needed them.”

It’s why she encourages kids to get involved with animals any way they can:
“You can trade time mucking stalls for lessons. You can help out. Horses have a way of helping you find your footing.”

Heartland’s Constant

Over the years, Heartland has seen cast members come and go. Ty Borden’s (Graham Wardle) exit shocked fans, but Amber understood.

“Some actors don’t want the lifestyle—the long days, the Alberta winters, being away from the city. I get it. But for me? This is what I dreamed of.”

Unlike many actors, she’s not chasing action roles or Hollywood fame. She didn’t even own a television until her husband insisted.

“I don’t need a flashy career. I’ve already got the one I wanted.”

And that’s why fans love her—because Amber Marshall isn’t just Amy Fleming… she is Heartland.