Amber Marshall in Real Life: 9 Facts Heartland Fans Love

A lot of actors just play a role on TV, but for Amber Marshall, ranch life on Heartland isn't an act—it’s her everyday reality.

After nearly two decades on the show, fans know and love her as Amy Fleming. But what she does when the cameras stop rolling is just as impressive. Here are 9 facts that prove Amber is a genuine horsewoman through and through.

1. She Grew Up in the Saddle

Amber’s passion for horses started long before she got into acting. She was riding ponies at local fairs by age three, taking formal riding lessons by ten, and bought her very first horse—a palomino mare—when she was just 13. That lifetime in the saddle is why riding looks like second nature to her on screen.

2. She Lives on a Real Working Ranch

Amber and her husband, Shawn Turner, don't just visit the countryside—they live there. They own and operate a real ranch near High River, Alberta, caring for horses, dogs, and plenty of other farm animals. When she isn't filming, she also manages Marshall’s Country Store, her own rural lifestyle brand.

3. She Shows the Unglamorous Reality of Ranching

If you follow Amber on social media, you won’t just see polished photos. She regularly posts early mornings, muddy chores, freezing winter barn work, and quiet rides across the fields. She gives fans an honest look at how much hard work it actually takes to run a farm.

4. Her Own Pets Make Cameos on Heartland

Many of the animals seen on Heartland belong to Amber in real life. Her miniature horse, Talon, played "Monty," and her cat, Mouzer, appeared on the show as a kitten. Her late dog, Remi, was a series regular playing Georgie’s loyal pup until he passed away in 2022.

5. She Led the Famous Calgary Stampede

In 2019, Amber was chosen as the Parade Marshal for Canada’s biggest rodeo event, the Calgary Stampede. She had fun with the honor, too—tagging all her posts with the catchy hashtag #ParadeMarshalMarshall.

6. She Was a Serious Actress Long Before Heartland

Before landing her breakout role as Amy Fleming, Amber tackled demanding roles as a teenager. At 15, she played the title role in the 2003 TV movie The Elizabeth Smart Story. Her performance earned her a Young Artist Award nomination and proved her acting chops early on.

7. She Donates Money to Animal Charities

Amber puts her heart and money into animal welfare. Through the "Amber Cares" section of her website, she supports various animal rescue organizations. A portion of sales from her store goes straight toward veterinary care for animals in need.

8. She Publishes Her Own Magazine

She creates and publishes Amber Marshall Life & Style magazine. It’s filled with personal behind-the-scenes stories, country recipes, and practical horse-care tips. Just like her shop, a portion of the magazine’s proceeds goes directly to animal charities.

9. She Has Real Veterinary Experience

There’s a good reason Amber looks so capable during medical scenes on Heartland: she used to work as a veterinary assistant. Growing up, her dream was to become a vet. So when she’s bandaging or examining a horse on screen, she actually knows what she’s doing.

Quick Facts About Amber Marshall

• Marriage: Amber married photographer Shawn Turner on July 27, 2013, holding their wedding right on their Alberta ranch.
• First Role: She made her professional acting debut at age 12 in the TV series Super Rupert.
• Birthday: June 2, 1988.
• Kids: Amber does not have children in real life (though her character, Amy, has her daughter Lyndy on the show).