Meet Alisha, Connecting with Horses and Fans as CBC Heartland's Beloved Georgie

For millions of fans, Heartland isn't just a show; it's like coming home. And since season six, a huge part of that home has been Georgie Fleming Morris, brought to life with incredible heart by Alisha Newton. We've watched Georgie grow from a troubled newcomer to a confident young woman, mastering Roman riding and navigating the ups and downs of ranch life. It's been a joy to see Alisha grow alongside her character.

We were thrilled to catch up with Alisha for our Star Crossed Horses series, diving into her real-life connection with the animals that are so central to the show she calls home.

From Grandma's Farm to the English Saddle

Like many great horse stories, Alisha's begins with family. "When I was little my grandma had a horse," she shares. Those early visits sparked something special. "Whenever I visited my grandparents we would always go out to the barn and I would ride her horse (western). I think that was what sprouted my interest and love for horses."

While those western rides planted the seed, a different discipline captured her heart later on. "When I was around 10 I started taking English lessons and fell in love with it," Alisha explains. That passion is palpable, both on-screen and off.

Meet Aflame: Alisha's Real-Life Equine Partner

Away from the Heartland ranch, Alisha has her own four-legged partner: Aflame. Her affection for him shines through as she describes him: "Aflame is my Dutch Warmblood Pinto Gelding! I bought him in June 2015 and I love him to bits."

He's more than just a show horse; he's a companion.

"He’s super sweet and puts up with a lot of love and snuggles... Aflame is just an all around Steady Eddy. I love him so much!" - Alisha Newton on her horse, Aflame.

Their partnership isn't just about cuddles, though. They're serious competitors. "So far I’ve shown him up to 3ft, but will hopefully be showing higher very soon. We usually school about a 1m-1.25 (3’3-4ft) at home," Alisha says. Aflame's versatility is also a point of pride: "We’ve only ever done Jumpers together but Aflame has competed Hunters in the past and done incredibly well... I can stand on him and I’ve given several little kids riding lessons on him and he’s done great."

Behind the Scenes: Riding Phoenix on Heartland

Working on Heartland means working with a whole team of equine actors. Fans know Georgie's main horse is Phoenix, but Alisha gives us a peek behind the curtain. "There are actually several different horses that play each horse on the show!" she reveals. "For example, for Georgie’s horse Phoenix, there are about four different horses with different specialties that play him. There’s a jumper Phoenix, a trail riding Phoenix, a Roman riding Phoenix, etc."

So, does she have a favourite among the "Phoenixes"? Absolutely. "I enjoy riding the horse that plays Phoenix when he is jumping. The horse that usually does the jumping stunts is named Conamore."

And Conamore offers a different experience compared to her steady Aflame.

"I like him because he isn’t as calm or predictable as the other horses we have on the show. He’s actually a pretty spicy boy. It’s really refreshing to see such a firecracker on set." - Alisha Newton on riding Conamore.

Balancing Act: Riding Goals Amidst Filming

Juggling a demanding filming schedule with personal riding ambitions isn't easy. Alisha is incredibly proud of the progress she and Aflame have made despite the constraints. "During the filming season from May to December I’m lucky if I get to ride three days a week and usually only get one to two lessons in," she admits. "I also have restrictions on me as far as showing during the filming season – for insurance reasons."

But the off-season is dedicated grind time. "In the off season I have been very focused on my riding. We’ve been working super hard. Aflame and I are now jumping higher than what I ever expected to be able to do on him so I’m really happy." It’s a testament to her dedication.

A Memorable Moment: Liberty Work and Emotion on Screen

With so many seasons under her belt, picking a favourite scene is tough, but one stands out for its unique combination of horsemanship and drama. "One of my favourite scenes to film was probably the last scene from season eight where Georgie is in the field with Trouble and he charges at her," Alisha recalls. "It was great to be and be part of the liberty work that was involved and it was also an emotional scene. I love liberty and I love doing the emotional scenes."

Looking Ahead: Eventing Dreams and Hopes for Georgie

While show jumping is her current focus with Aflame, Alisha has her eyes on another challenging discipline. "As much as I love show jumping, I would absolutely love to compete in some events... Three day eventing is so intense and hardcore. Riders that compete in eventing are incredibly talented athletes." Her passion is clear: "I have been to several eventing shows like Rolex in Kentucky, and have also done some cross country schooling and I loved every second of it."

Could this real-life interest spill over into Georgie's future storylines? Alisha hopes so. "I personally would like to see Georgie doing some more shows and maybe competing in a few events or competing in a cross country derby like other characters have in previous seasons."

The Enduring Appeal of Horses

What is it about these magnificent animals that keeps her hooked, both personally and professionally? For Alisha, it's the continuous journey of discovery.

"I think what I enjoy most about working with horses is that it’s never the same. No matter how long you work with horses, you are always learning new things." - Alisha Newton

A Heartfelt Thank You

As our chat wound down, Alisha had a message directly for the loyal viewers who have embraced Georgie and the entire Heartland family. "I would like say thank you to all of the amazing Heartland fans out there! You are what keeps the show going and I am very grateful for that. Please continue to watch so that we can keep the show going for another 10 years!"

From her first ride at her grandma's to jumping courses on set and dreaming of eventing glory, Alisha Newton's life is deeply intertwined with horses. And Heartland fans are surely grateful for the authenticity and passion she brings to Georgie, season after season