Cindy Busby Looks Back on Her Heartland Days as Ashley Stanton

It’s been years since Cindy Busby last rode into Heartland as Ashley Stanton, yet fans still remember her. Whether you loved to hate Ashley or secretly hoped she’d soften, the character left an impression that sticks today.

It’s been years since Cindy Busby last stepped into the role of Ashley Stanton on Heartland, but fans still talk about her like it was yesterday. Whether you loved Ashley’s sharp edges or secretly rooted for her softer side, the character clearly made her mark.

“I still get recognized for Ashley all the time,” Cindy says, laughing. “It feels like she’s even more popular now than when I was filming.”

With Heartland streaming worldwide on Netflix, the show keeps finding new fans—and Ashley, spoiled at first but ultimately more self-aware, remains part of that connection.

Learning to Ride – for Real

When Cindy joined the cast, she wasn’t an experienced rider.
“It wasn’t required, but I wanted to look natural, so I signed up for private lessons,” she says. “Horses are big and can be intimidating if you don’t know what you’re doing.”

Those lessons paid off quickly. Working with wranglers in Calgary helped her feel more at home in Ashley’s world, even when the cameras weren’t rolling.

Her Funniest On-Set Memory

One filming location stands out for all the wrong reasons: Ashley and Caleb’s trailer.
“We called it the Vortex because the weather always went crazy—rain, hail, even snow. It became a running joke,” Cindy says.

Despite the unpredictable conditions, the cast had fun.
“Amber and Graham teased me nonstop, saying, ‘You’re so mean as Ashley but the nicest person in real life—it’s weird!’ and we’d all laugh,” she remembers.

A Fan Moment She’ll Never Forget

Even years later, fans still surprise her.
“My flight got canceled in Dallas once, and I was stressed. Then a woman recognized me and asked for a photo for her son, who loved me on Heartland. It made a rough day so much better,” Cindy says.

Was Ashley Really That Mean?

indy sees Ashley a little differently than some fans:
“Ashley was shaped by her environment—her mom was manipulative, and Ashley used sarcasm to cover her feelings. She grew so much over time, and that’s what I loved about her story.”

Off-screen, Cindy connects more with Ashley’s humor and determination than her attitude.
“We both believe in growing as people,” she says.

Horses, Healing, and Heartland Vibes

Even though Cindy doesn’t work with horses now, she still appreciates what they brought to her life.
“They each had unique personalities, and watching them interact was therapeutic,” she explains.

These days, she lives a more city-based life but still loves any chance to ride again. Since leaving Heartland, Cindy has gone on to star in multiple Hallmark films and even appeared on Supernatural.

What She’ll Never Forget
Ask Cindy about her best memory from Heartland and she doesn’t hesitate:
“The people. The cast, the crew—we were like family, and many are still close friends today.”

For fans, Ashley Stanton may have started out as the girl you loved to hate, but Cindy Busby brought depth and growth to her journey—and that’s why people still remember her with a smile.