Recovery and horses have more in common than one might think. Just ask Mandy Lewis, 38, whose path to sobriety has been anything but linear—but like barrel racing, it’s taken grit, patience, and a deep connection to something greater than herself.

Addiction runs in Mandy’s family, as does a love for horses. By age 13, she was drinking and using marijuana. In stark contrast to being Freshman class president and excelling in varsity sports, Mandy’s thrill-seeking nature led her down a dangerous path, misusing painkillers and culminating in heroin use at 22. For the next ten years, Mandy cycled through recovery efforts, relapses, several suicide attempts, and encounters with law enforcement, including incarceration at Windham Correctional Women’s Center, where she earned her GED.

Diagnosed with several behavioral health conditions, including depression, suicidal ideation, and substance use disorder, Mandy accessed a range of services through MaineHealth Behavioral Health (MHBH)—from inpatient care at MHBH at Spring Harbor and MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital to Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and vocational rehabilitation. Today, she continues receiving psychiatric support with nurse practitioner Laura Sawyer, PMHNP-BC, therapist Chelsey Fitzpatrick, LCPC, and case management services with Jessica Loscocco, MHRT/C.

After years of relapse and despair, Mandy reached a turning point: “I didn’t want to feel like this anymore.” On April 8, she celebrated six years of sobriety.

Horses have always been part of Mandy’s life. “They reflect your mood, your struggles, your successes. They feel everything you’re going through,” she says. Caring for them requires daily commitment—just like recovery. Barrel racing, her passion, demands discipline and trust. “A horse is only as good as what you put into it,” she explains.

Photo supplied by Mandy Lewis

Since becoming sober, Mandy has won six championships, including the Middle 1D State Championship in the 18–50 age bracket in 2023. Her family—especially her parents and grandmother—have been steadfast supporters. Meeting her fiancé, Chris, marked another turning point. “It helps to have someone in your corner, every day, supporting you.”

Now renting to own her home and enjoying time with her children, Mandy reflects: “It’s okay to feel your emotions. I ran from them for so long. Forgiveness—of yourself and others—is the path to healing.”

Her message to others: “Seek care. Stay hopeful. Keep trying. It took me years and a lot of support to succeed.”