Meet Cindy Busby, CBC Heartland’s Ashley Stanton
It’s been years since Cindy Busby last appeared on Heartland—her final episode aired in Season 7—but for many fans, Ashley Stanton hasn’t left the ranch. Whether you loved to hate her or secretly rooted for her redemption, Ashley was a character who stirred emotions. And according to Cindy, playing her was as challenging as it was fun.
“I still get recognized for Ashley all the time,” she says. “It feels like her popularity has only grown.”
That’s partly thanks to the show’s global reach through Netflix and reruns, but also because Ashley—spoiled, sharp-tongued troublemaker who kept Amy and Ty on their toes, and eventually self-aware—left an undeniable mark.
Learning to Ride (and Not Just for the Camera)
Unlike some of her castmates, Cindy wasn’t an experienced rider when she got the part. “It wasn’t a requirement for the role,” she says. “But as soon as CBC picked up the series, I chose to take private riding lessons. I wanted to make Ashley believable—because let’s be honest, horses can be pretty intimidating if you don’t know what you’re doing.”
Those lessons paid off. On set in Calgary, she worked with real wranglers and learned to hold her own in the saddle. “It helped me feel connected to Ashley’s world.”
Her Favorite (and Funniest) Moments
There’s one place Cindy will never forget: the plot of land where Ashley and Caleb’s trailer sat. The cast had a name for it—the Vortex.
“It was beautiful, but cursed,” she laughs. “Every time we went there to film, the weather would lose its mind. Rain, lightning, hail, snow—you name it. We started calling it the Vortex because something always went wrong.”
Eventually, production moved some of the trailer scenes indoors to escape the chaos.
And then there were the laughs between takes. “Amber and Graham would tease me all the time—like, ‘Cindy, you’re so mean on camera but you’re the nicest person in real life. It’s weird!’ We’d all burst out laughing. I loved that.”
The Airport Fan Encounter That Melted Her Stress Away
Even years later, fans keep finding her in the most unexpected places.
“My flight got canceled during a layover in Dallas,” Cindy recalls. “I was flustered—and then this woman walks up and says, ‘Excuse me, are you Cindy Busby? My son and I love you on Heartland. Can we take a picture? He’ll freak out!'”
It was the woman’s first time flying, and the interaction ended up grounding them both. “It was a reminder that even when things go sideways, something good can come out of it.”
Was Ashley Really That Mean?
Ashley vs. Cindy: "We’re Both Stubborn—But That’s Where It Ends"
Ashley Stanton was known for her biting remarks and high-maintenance attitude—but Cindy sees more to her than that.
“She was a product of her environment. Her mom was manipulative, and Ashley learned to mask her emotions with cruelty. But that wasn’t who she really was. She grew a lot over the seasons. That’s what I loved most about her arc.”
In real life, Cindy says she relates more to Ashley’s work ethic and sense of humor than her meanness. “I think we both believe in personal growth. Ashley had one of the best transitions on the show.”
Horses, Healing, and Heartland Vibes
While she hasn’t worked with horses on screen since Heartland, Cindy says those animals still hold a special place in her memory.
“Horses have a calming, almost therapeutic presence. I loved watching them interact with each other—every horse had its own personality. And the wranglers on set? Absolutely incredible.”
Today, Cindy lives more of a city life, but she still feels a pull toward the countryside. “I don’t ride anymore, but I always look forward to any excuse to get back in the saddle.”
Since her Heartland days, Cindy has taken on roles in Hallmark films and shows like Supernatural, where she appeared in two episodes (and jokes about having “prank FOMO”).
As for what’s next? She’s got a few things cooking, but she’s keeping details under wraps. “The best way to stay in touch is through social media,” she says.
Why She’ll Always Remember Heartland
Ask Cindy what stuck with her the most from her time on Heartland, and she doesn’t hesitate: the people.
“The cast and crew were incredible. They felt like family. So many of them are still close friends of mine today. It was a really special experience.”
For fans who’ve followed her from day one—or discovered Ashley through a late-night Netflix binge—Cindy Busby’s performance left an impression. But it’s her warmth, wit, and honesty that really explain why people keep coming back.
