Meet Alisha Newton: The Real Georgie from CBC Heartland

In the realm of equestrian-themed television, few characters have captured hearts quite like Georgie from CBC's beloved series, Heartland. The actress behind this captivating role, Alisha Newton, has not only brought Georgie to life on screen but has also cultivated a deep personal connection with the equestrian world off-screen.

The Genesis of a Passion

Alisha's equestrian journey began in her early years, sparked by visits to her grandmother's stable. She reminisces, 

"When I was little, my grandma had a horse. Whenever I visited my grandparents, we would always go out to the barn, and I would ride her horse Western style. I think that's what sprouted my interest and love for horses."

This early exposure laid the foundation for a lifelong passion. By the age of 10, Alisha had transitioned to English riding lessons, solidifying her enthusiasm for the sport.

Aflame: More Than Just a Horse

In June 2015, Alisha's equestrian dreams took a significant leap forward with the acquisition of Aflame, her Dutch Warmblood Pinto Gelding. She speaks of him with unmistakable affection: 

"He's super sweet and puts up with a lot of love and snuggles. 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."

Aflame's versatility shines through in Alisha's description. From jumpers to hunters, and even as a patient mount for young riders, Aflame embodies the ideal of an "all-around Steady Eddy."

On-Screen Equine Co-Stars

Heartland's commitment to authenticity in its equestrian scenes is evident in its use of multiple horses to portray a single character. Alisha 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."

Among these equine actors, Alisha has a particular fondness for Conamore, the horse that typically performs Phoenix's jumping stunts. She appreciates his spirited nature, describing him as "a pretty spicy boy" and finding his energy "refreshing" amidst the calmer horses on set.

Achievements and Aspirations

Alisha takes immense pride in the progress she and Aflame have made together, especially considering the constraints of her filming schedule. She shares, 

"Aflame and I are now jumping higher than what I ever expected to be able to do on him, so I'm really happy."

Looking to the future, Alisha expresses a keen interest in eventing, describing it as "so intense and hardcore." She admires the versatility and athleticism required for this discipline, having attended events like Rolex in Kentucky and participated in cross-country schooling.

The Heart of Horsemanship

When asked about what she enjoys most about working with horses, Alisha highlights the constant learning experience it provides. "No matter how long you work with horses, you are always learning new things," she observes, encapsulating the essence of equestrian pursuits.

A Message to Fans

Alisha concludes with a heartfelt message to Heartland's dedicated fanbase: 

"I would like to 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!"

As Alisha Newton continues to grow both on and off-screen, her journey serves as an inspiration to equestrians and Heartland fans alike. Her dedication to her craft, both in acting and horsemanship, promises an exciting future filled with new challenges and achievements.