Heartland: The Canadian Horse Drama That Changed My Life

The TV series made me want to bolt from my city desk job and devote my life to riding and caring for horses. So I did.

If you grew up in Australia during the late ’90s and early ’00s, chances are you remember watching “The Saddle Club,” a TV series based on the books by American author Bonnie Bryant. Little did I know that this quirky show, oddly filmed in Australia, would ignite an enduring passion for horses within me.

Fast-forward a decade and a bit, and another horsey TV series entered my life: CBC’s “Heartland.” Launched in 2007 and now spanning 17 seasons, this beloved Canadian family soap, based on the books by Lauren Brooke, centers around Amy Fleming (played by Amber Marshall). Amy, a teenager living in Alberta, follows in her mother’s footsteps as a horse whisperer. She takes on troubled horses, relying on intuition and compassion to rehabilitate them. Sure, there are occasional dramatic twists—a plane crash, a fire, or a shooting—but mostly, it’s just good ol’ horsey family fun.

Now, why did this seemingly hokey show lead me to throw financial security to the wind and dive headfirst into a life with horses? Let’s explore.

The Alberta Landscape: A Character of Its Own

The cinematography in “Heartland” captures the wild beauty of the Alberta mountainscape. The Heartland ranch, a sprawling property with woodlands and streams, feels like a beloved character itself. Watching Amy “join up” with a troubled horse in the round pen, her cowboy hat in place, spoke to my latent desire to escape the hustle and bustle of full-time city office work and immerse myself in nature.

The Romantic Horse-Human Bond

Amy’s personal horse, Spartan, tugged at my heartstrings. A rescue saved by Amy and her mother before her mother’s fatal car accident, Spartan transformed from a wild, abused animal into a champion showjumper. Now, I know the plotline might be dubious—I’ve seen my fair share of troubled horses, and their rehab journeys rarely end in competitive glory—but I yearned for the bond Amy shared with Spartan. It was more than just riding; it was understanding, trust, and healing.

Lessons from Amy Fleming

When I started watching “Heartland,” I was taking riding lessons at a local school. But then I bought my first horse—a handful and a half, to put it mildly. Through falls, broken bones, and knocks to my confidence, I channeled my inner Amy Fleming. And when I acquired my second horse—a wary six-month-old filly—I remembered WWAD (What Would Amy Do?). Natural horsemanship techniques helped me gain her trust, and now she adores face pats.

Even during my third horse’s mystery illness scare, I turned to “Heartland.” Just like Amy faced tough decisions with Spartan, I navigated uncertainty. And guess what? My guy pulled through, and we now have a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Amy’s relatable struggles helped me cope with the stress.

Conclusion: From Desk Job to Horse Whisperer

So here I am—three horses, twice-a-day visits, eventing, showjumping, and dressage (okay, maybe not very well), and a slightly depleted bank account. “Heartland” didn’t just entertain me; it inspired me to grab life by the reins. If you’re ever wondering whether a TV show can change your life, take it from me: Sometimes, the unexpected can lead to the most transformative choices.