PATH International Honors Phyllis Stalensky as the 2024 Equine Services for Heroes Equestrian of the Year
Clifton, VA – December 13, 2024 – Cloverleaf Equine Center is honored to announce that military client Phyllis Stalensky has been awarded the 2024 Equine Services for Heroes Equestrian of the Year Award from The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) This prestigious recognition highlights Phyllis’s remarkable contributions and inspiring participation in equine-assisted services (EAS). The award was announced during a virtual ceremony on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
As an international leader in the EAS industry, PATH Intl. is committed to celebrating individuals who embody the values of ability, optimism, diversity, and shared love for horses. Exceptional equestrians like Phyllis exemplify the transformative power of equines to enrich lives and bring communities together.
Founded in 1969, PATH Intl. has been a global advocate for equine-assisted services. With over 794 member centers – of which Cloverleaf is a premier accredited center – and more than 3,928 credentialed professionals, PATH Intl. serves 46,629 individuals annually, including more than 5,200 veterans. These services promote health, wellness, independence, and joy through a variety of programs, such as therapeutic riding, physical therapy incorporating horses, and equine-assisted learning.
Phyllis Stalensky’s dedication to equine-assisted services reflects the mission and values of Cloverleaf Equine Center and her achievements inspire a broader understanding of the positive impact of horses on physical and emotional well-being.
“This award recognizes not only Phyllis’s outstanding efforts but also celebrates the collective potential of equine-assisted services to transform lives,” said the PATH Intl. Awards Committee. “Congratulations to Phyllis for being an extraordinary representative of the PATH Intl. equestrian community.”
Phyllis shares, “Following my tenure in the Marine Corps, I started working for the United States Postal Service as a city letter carrier and had a wonderful career that culminated into my retirement as a Postal Executive after twenty years of service.”
Upon her retirement she began to experience symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks, and the Veterans Health Administration gave her a diagnosis of complex PTSD and anxiety. When the prescribed group therapy and medication did not help her improve, Phyllis began seeking alternative options and came across equine-assisted services.
She continues, “From the very beginning, Cloverleaf’s caring staff, dedicated volunteers and amazing herd welcomed me and put me at ease. I felt my walls slowly come down as I worked with the horses and my fellow veterans around the farm. I hope my story provides a glimpse into the great mission that Cloverleaf provides to veterans who need another alternative to overcome challenging circumstances in their lives. Cloverleaf truly lives up to its motto, ‘Horses Helping Humans Thrive,’ and I am so very proud and honored to be one of them.”
Video of Phyllis’ acceptance speech: https://youtu.be/LV_yNE_5bfY Photos available upon request.
About Cloverleaf Equine Center: Originally chartered in 1980, Cloverleaf Equine Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing equine-assisted services to children and adults with disabilities, youth from marginalized communities, military service personnel and their families in an inclusive, community setting. Learning to ride and care for a horse not only improves the physical health of the client but also generates a critically important sense of accomplishment. Clients participating in Cloverleaf’s programs represent a range of disabilities, including attention deficit disorder, autism, cerebral palsy, developmental disabilities, vision and hearing impairments, and genetic syndromes. Cloverleaf Equine Center is a Premier Center accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl), and a member center of the Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia (TRAV). Cloverleaf Equine Center is located in Clifton, VA.
About PATH Intl.
The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) leads the advancement of equine-assisted services by supporting members through standards, credentialing, and education. PATH Intl. promotes universal recognition of professional equine-assisted services and their transformative impacts that enrich lives. For more information, visit www.pathintl.org.
Contact:
Kelsey Gallagher, Executive Director: 703‐901‐0064
Shelby Morrison, Media Inquiries: 703-731-7499