Few could have foreseen when Heartland initially rode onto CBC Television on October 14, 2007, that this family drama would become Canada's longest-running one-hour scripted series, now into its 18th season.
The series follows young Amy Fleming (Amber Marshall) as she rehabilitates troublesome horses on her family's vast Alberta ranch based on Lauren Brooke's famous books.
"Seeing Amy connect with a scared horse in one take didn't just change my weekend—it changed my life."
Why a Wholesome Show Felt Powerful
Heartland isn’t about dramatic cliffhangers or dark secrets. It’s about slow-burn storytelling: sun-dappled fields, gently swaying hay, and a heroine who communicates with horses in ways that feel almost magical. Yet for me, that very simplicity felt new and important.
- Nature as character: The Alberta Rockies, with their snow-capped peaks and winding creeks, are more than a backdrop—they’re a daily reminder that life can be bigger than an office.
- Horse-human bond: Amy’s rescue of Spartan, her family’s once-wild stallion, showed how trust can heal. It’s a story, yes, but it awakened in me a real desire for that level of connection.
“What Would Amy Do?”: Turning Inspiration into Action
In 2016, I was an office jockey again, searching Netflix for a weekend escape. Within hours of streaming Heartland, I’d dusted off my riding boots—and then, in a fit of impulse, I bought my first horse.
- Falls and Fractures: My new mare was a spirited challenge—knocks to my confidence and even a broken collarbone. Yet every time I doubted myself, I’d whisper, “What would Amy do?” and find the grit to remount.
- Natural Horsemanship: When my second horse, a wary filly, resisted even a halter, I dove into the natural horsemanship techniques Amy used—earning her trust one gentle pat at a time. Three months later, she welcomed face-touches; today, she trots proudly under saddle.
- Facing Fear: When my third horse fell gravely ill, I revisited the episodes where Spartan lay in a hospital stall, and Amy agonized over life-or-death decisions. Those scenes helped me navigate uncertainty—and now we have a clear diagnosis and a plan to keep him thriving.
More Than Riding: Lessons in Toughness
Heartland taught me that every bruise, every setback, carries the seeds of growth. It’s not about looking perfect—it’s the sweat-streaked effort behind every small victory. Through riding competitions, showjumping, and dressage, I’ve learned:
- Patience isn’t just waiting—it’s a steady process of building trust.
- Community grows when you share both your wins and your mistakes.
- Perseverance often looks messy, but that’s where real change happens.
One Last Ride: Why You Should Watch
Even if you’ve never sat in a saddle, there’s something comforting in a show that values family, nature, and the horse-human connection without resorting to cynicism. So turn on your streaming service—and fair warning: you may find yourself Googling “horse riding for beginners.” But sometimes, the wildest journeys begin with a single brave impulse to follow your heart.
Ready for your own horse adventure? Heartland’s latest season (Season 18) premiered on CBC in fall 2024 and comes to Up Faith & Family in the U.S. in April 2025—get ready!
