9 Facts About Amber Marshall That Prove She’s a True Horsewoman

Most actors are just playing dress-up, but for Amber Marshall, the ranch life in Heartland isn't a set—it’s her life. After 18 years on the show, she’s become a familiar face, but the stuff she does off cameras is just as impressive. Here are the 9 facts that prove she’s a true horsewoman at heart.

1. She Grew Up in the Saddle
Her love for horses didn't start with a casting role. She was riding ponies at local fairs by the time she was three. By ten, she was taking serious lessons, and at 13, she bought her first palomino mare. That background explains why she looks so natural and comfortable on horseback during the show.

2. She Lives the Ranch Life for Real
Amber and her husband, Shawn Turner, actually live the ranch life — no pretending. They run a working ranch near High River, Alberta, with nine horses and a bunch of other animals. When she's not on set, she's running Marshall's Country Store, her own brand built around her personal, rural style.

3. Her "Extras" Are Her Own Pets
Want to know what she's really up to? Just check her Instagram or Facebook. She posts all the unglamorous stuff—early mornings, hard chores, and those long, lonely rides through the fields. It gives you an honest look at what it actually takes to run a place like that.

4. Her pets are basically Heartland extras
A lot of the animals you see on Heartland are actually hers. Her miniature horse, Talon, played "Monty," and her cat, Mouzer, had a cameo as a kitten. Even her late dog, Remi, was a series regular as Georgie’s dog until he passed away in 2022.

5. She led the Calgary Stampede
In 2019, she was the Parade Marshal for the Calgary Stampede, the biggest rodeo event in Canada. She had a great sense of humor about it too — she started using the hashtag "#ParadeMarshalMarshall" on all her posts related to the role.

6. She was a serious actress long before Heartland
Before she became Amy Fleming, she was already taking on heavy material. At just 15, she played Elizabeth Smart in the 2003 film The Elizabeth Smart Story. It was a difficult role that earned her a Young Artist Award nomination and proved she had real talent.

7. She puts her money into animal welfare
Amber really cares about animals. Her site has a section called "Amber Cares" where she lists the charities she supports. A portion of every sale in her shop goes toward vet care for animals in need.

8. She’s a published magazine editor
She launched her own Amber Marshall Life & Style magazine. It’s not just for promotion—she actually fills it with behind-the-scenes stories, recipes, and ranching tips. Just like her store, a portion of the the magazine's earnings goes to the charities she supports.

9. She has real vet assistant experience
This explains why she's so convincing in the medical scenes on the show. She worked as a vet assistant, and growing up she actually wanted to be a veterinarian. So when she's stitching up a horse on screen, she's not just guessing — she knows what she's doing.

Quick Facts

• Marriage: Amber married Shawn Turner on March 30, 2015, right on their ranch in Alberta.
• The Start: She started acting at 13 in a series called Super Rupert.
• Age: Born June 2, 1988, she is 37 as of 2025.
• Children: She doesn't have kids of her own, despite what some rumors say (her character Amy, of course, has Lyndy).