Meet Michelle Morgan, CBC Heartland’s Lou Fleming

10 Years as Lou Fleming: Michelle Morgan’s Unforgettable Journey on Heartland

There’s something magical about Heartland—the sprawling Alberta ranch, the bond between sisters, the way horses heal broken hearts. And for Michelle Morgan, who’s played the fiery, big-hearted Lou Fleming since the beginning, it’s been the role of a lifetime.

As the show prepares to return for another season, Morgan opens up about the laughter, the tears, and the unexpected lessons learned from a decade in Lou’s boots.

The First Time She Rode On Set, She Was Terrified

Morgan admits she wasn’t exactly a natural rider when Heartland began. "I’d barely been on a horse before the show," she says with a laugh. "Suddenly, I’m supposed to look like I’ve been doing this my whole life!"

But the horses—and the patient wranglers—taught her more than just how to stay in the saddle. "They’re these incredible, sensitive creatures. You can’t fake it with them. If you’re nervous, they know. If you’re calm, they trust you. In a way, they taught me how to be present—both as an actor and as a person."

The Horse That Stole Her Heart (Even If It Wasn’t Hers to Keep)

Fans might assume actors bond with one horse throughout filming, but Morgan reveals the truth: "It changes all the time! This season, I’m riding a sweet mare named Venus—she’s got this beautiful white star on her forehead and the gentlest eyes."

She’s learned to appreciate the steady, reliable horses chosen for filming, even if she once longed for more spirited rides. "Early on, I’d think, ‘Come on, let’s go faster!’ But now I get it—when you’re surrounded by cameras and crew, you want a horse that won’t spook. Safety first, even if it’s less exciting."

The Cast Secret You’d Never Guess

After 10 years together, the Heartland family has developed some… unique traditions. "Gabe Hogan (Peter) and I love doing our scenes in ridiculous accents just to make the crew laugh," Morgan confesses. "Imagine Lou and Peter arguing in full cockney. It’s absurd, but it keeps things fun."

Dinner scenes, she says, are where the real chaos happens. "We’re supposed to be this wholesome family having a meal, but behind the scenes? We’re cracking up over inside jokes, trying not to ruin takes. It’s like a real family—messy, loud, and full of love."

The Episode That Broke Her Heart

While she loves the lighthearted moments (like herding cattle in "Local Hero"), Morgan doesn’t shy away from the tougher scenes. "Season 9, when Lou and Peter split up… that was hard. You invest so much in these characters, and their pain feels real. I’d go home emotionally drained."

But those challenges, she says, are what make Heartland special. "It’s not just pretty horses and happy endings. It’s about real life—love, loss, and finding your way back."

What Lou Knows That Michelle Is Still Learning

Though she and Lou share a fierce devotion to family, Morgan admits they’re worlds apart in other ways. "Lou’s always five steps ahead, planning, worrying, controlling. I’m more… go-with-the-flow. Yoga, surfing, music—that’s my escape. Lou would probably say I need to focus more. I’d tell her to relax!"

If she could go back 10 years, she’d tell her younger self: "Stop stressing. Enjoy the ride. And for heaven’s sake, buy property in Vancouver before the market explodes!"

What’s Next for Michelle Morgan?

While she stays coy about future projects ("You’ll know when I can talk about it!"), one thing’s certain: Heartland has left an indelible mark. "This show, these people… it’s more than a job. It’s a piece of my heart."