Amber Marshall's Place

YEAR OF THE DRAGON

2012-01-17T14:58:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are six years after Heartland began its journey. I don’t think I could have ever imagined a more suiting role for my lifestyle, and the path Heartland has carried me down has been incredible. Six years ago, to imagine I would be residing on a ranch in the foothills of Alberta with a menagerie of animals around me would have seemed to be a pipe dream. Now, to be living and breathing it everyday is too fitting. I guess where I am going with this, is you can never dream too big. Positive visions will always push you to achieve your goals, no matter how reachable you may think they are at the time.

I’m sure presently the big question for many Heartland fans is, “Will there be a sixth season?!” I personally am in the dark on this as well. CBC is going through major budget cuts and they have thought it best to wait until they can confirm the renewal or end of all of their shows before they let one in particular know of its fate. I know you are all anxious to find out – as am I – but we will all have to wait a little while longer. At least there are new episodes spread over the next couple months to tie you over.

Alberta has been much more generous this winter in terms of weather than last year. Although a high of -20 degrees Celsius is forecast for this week, it is back above freezing next week as it was with the last. I don’t mind the cold when we get the odd warmer week here and there… after all I am living in Canada in the winter! My horses are all cozy in their blankets and we have been making frequent trips up the road to a heated indoor arena. Cash, my buckskin Quarter-Horse is such an easy-going two-year-old. He is coming along under saddle and nothing seems to upset him. Pepsi is now living at an English barn up the road as he enjoys jumping far more than waiting around in my pasture for me to entertain him. Tango is content to hang out in the snowy field with Cash, but I have been having him join me at the arena so he can knock off a few of those winter pounds!

My dogs China and Remi love the snow. China gets cold quickly due to her petite figure and coat, however nothing can stop her from her “duty” of keeping the coyotes off the property. She lays in my bay window most of the day and night, and once she spots a wandering coyote she jumps up, runs around the house barking until I let her chase it off. For a smaller dog – she is very brave! Remi on the other hand… who I got with the idea of protecting my chickens from danger … is terrified of the coyotes. When her best friend China runs off over the hill, Remi whines and barks from the safety of the porch…

All the other animals on the farm are doing well. My barn cats, Mouzer and Turner have made themselves at home in the house for the cold winter. They are perfectly content to spend all day and night, cuddling on the bed… oh the life of a cat! The chickens and peafowl are cozy in their heated coop and whenever a break in the weather occurs I let them out to forage in the yard.

As for me? I’m enjoying a small hibernation while this winter weather takes hold. I have thoughts of taking a trip south for a few weeks, but haven’t decided where or when yet. I have been getting caught up on everyday things that get put aside during the busier part of the year. Over Christmas I flew back to Ontario and spent a whole month with my family and friends. I brought Remi, China and Mouzer along with me and thanks to Haley my house sitter, all the critters on the farm were well cared for while I was gone. It was great to be able to have lots of time to visit with everyone and enjoy a relaxing Christmas.

I assure you, as soon as I hear the word about Heartland Season Six, I will let you know. I wish all of you the best for 2012 and remember to make everyday count.

Happy Trails,

Amber

YOU'VE BEEN WAITING!

2011-10-26T19:04:00.000-07:00

YOU'VE BEEN WAITING!!!!

And here it is! The new 2012 Amber Marshall Calendar. This one of a kind calendar features Amber and her many animals. Get to know her pets better by their monthly biographies and pictures. This calendar is the perfect Christmas gift! Watch for it at the Royal Winter Fair. Click Here to purchase the 2012 Official Amber Marshall Calender

HAS JULY FOUND ME ALREADY

2011-07-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

Has July found me already!!

Well it seems as though this year is flying past me. I have even found it difficult to keep up with my online posts, as I’m rarely inside these days, and spend even less time on the computer - which in my eyes is a good thing. I love the outdoors and I have been enjoying the beautiful summer weather that Alberta has finally been blessed with.

We are now filming episode 7 & 8 in the 5th season of Heartland and that ties up most of my day. As soon as I’m home I head to the barn to feed, water and clean-up after my animals as well as give them a little T.L.C. My horse Pepsi has been staying at a jumping stable down the road where he has a few different riders keeping his mind and body busy (which he needs) while I work. Tango and Cash have been enjoying the lush long grass in their new turn-out field I just had fenced last week. My dog China continues to come to work with me daily and she is very happy to be back in that routine. She has the crew trained to play fetch with her every day during lunch. Remi and the cats stay home and explore the yard each day, and on occasion Remi gets to come on set as well. I tried to talk the writers into making her the “Heartland Farm Dog” but that doesn’t seem to be top priority. Oh well, she is quite happy guarding the animals from the neighbouring coyotes during the day.
All in all, the hectic last few months have been great and I am so glad summer is finally here!!

HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE!

2011-04-11T16:25:00.001-07:00

Happy Spring Everyone!

As the weather gets a little better here in Alberta I am starting to get more done on the farm. It was quite unbearable for a while with heavy winds and temperatures hanging around -20 degrees Celsius. The chilling winds are not much fun when mucking stalls or feeding the chickens! But on a warm sunny note, a week ago I was in California filming a music video for a song by Sean Hogan titled Travel Plans. It was a lot of fun and we were able to see some great hidden spots around L.A. Check it out!

CHECK OUT THIS INTERVIEW I DID FOR EQUINE WELLNESS MAGAZINE

2011-03-03T15:11:00.000-08:00

Amy is played by 22-year-old Amber Marshall, a native of London, Ontario. We were able to catch up with Amber in between filming series.

EWM: When did you first recognize your passion for horses? Was there a particular experience that drew you to them?

AM: When I was four years old, my family took me to a local fair where there was a pony roundabout. I

was simply fascinated with the horses so my parents arranged for me to go out on weekends and ride that same pony. Sadly, not long after I started leasing him, his owners were forced to sell the farm. It wasn’t until my tenth birthday that I started riding again. I began taking English lessons and purchased my first horse, Monty, when I was 13 years old.

EWM: Tell us about the horses you have now.

AM: Pepsi has been with us since he was a weanling, which brings it close to five years. My mom found him online, and decided she wanted her own project, since I had my AQHA Palomino mare, Laney, at the time. When I got the role of Amy on Heartland, I moved to Calgary to be close to the set. I sold Laney to a girl I knew growing up because I was just too far away to give her the attention she needed. Pepsi stayed in Ontario, where my mom looked after him until he was green-broke and ready to head west! He now lives with me and my two other horses: Tango, a seven-year-old black Quarter Horse, and Cash, my baby buckskin.

EWM: Were you always interested in a more natural approach to horse care and training, or has the show been influential in that regard? Did you have to research any particular trainers, methods or equine therapies to help you portray Amy?

AM: I have always been interested in learning a variety of different training methods. I feel everyone has different energy they put out to animals, and certain ways of animal communication will work differently depending on the person. I practiced a lot of natural horsemanship on my Palomino mare, and found it very effective. I think for me, it is getting to know the horses individually, since like people, every horse is different. Once you gain their trust and respect, they are much happier to work with you as a team......

To see more of the story click the link below

I GOT A NEW HORSE!

2011-01-17T15:51:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to go and pick up my new horse a couple days before Christmas! I named him "Tango" as a reference to the 1989 film "Tango & Cash." I thought this name fitting as his new pasture buddy - my buckskin colt, has been given the name of Cash. They are so cute together, and immediately bonded. I always look out my window to see them sharing the same hay pile. I am not sure yet what adventures Tango and I will embark on, but for now he is quite content keeping warm with his new best friend, Cash. Also I'm happy to say that I am coming home this March to the Can-Am Show in London Ontario. It's a great Event and for those of you who'd like to stop by and say hello just give the Can-Am a visit at http://www.canamequine.ca/ for all the details!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

2010-12-10T20:55:00.000-08:00

I hope those of you in snowy areas are enjoying it to the fullest! We have had some record snowfalls in Canada, and I have been having a great time riding and playing with my dogs in the fresh snow. For those fans who will have a snowless Christmas, here are some pictures to get you in the festive mood.

This weekend, Heartland will be airing our CHRISTMAS MOVIE! It will be shown at 8:00pm on Sunday Dec. 12th and then again on Christmas day. I hope you enjoy it as much as we loved filming it. To view the trailer go to: http://www.cbc.ca/heartland/

THANKS FOR CHECKING OUT MY NEW WEBSITE!

2010-10-31T17:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks for checking out my new website! The cast and crew of Heartland are still busy filming the remainder of Season Four. There are some extraordinary episodes coming up in the future and I can't wait to hear what you think! This is also a special year for Heartland. Did you know this Christmas will be the first to air a Heartland Christmas Movie? Keep your eye open for the premier on the second week of December, and then of course on Christmas Day!

Are you a regular on the Heartland Blog? If not check it out at www.cbc.ca/heartland and get all the up-to-date gossip and behind the scenes trivia!

Speaking of trivia, did anyone notice in the first episode of this year, my dog "China" made a very sneaky guest appearance? It was so quick that not many people picked up on it. Keep your eagle eyes on the screen when Ty arrives home and Amy first meets "Blair." My little Border Collie X runs through the background behind Blair.

Please check out the pages on my site and have a glance at the pictures. And if you haven't done so already, take a moment to browse through my Apparel! Also, did you know I have a calender out for 2011? Keep your eyes wide for it in stores, and you will also be able to pick one up at the Royal Winter Fair!

Thanks so much,

Amber