Family Support Services (FSS) – High Hurdles Therapeutic Riding

High Hurdles provides an opportunity for families using FSS funding for their children to be able to utilize our services. Each FSS rider is eligible for one session (8 lessons) at no cost to the family. Please see below for details.

All FSS Riders:

We have limited availability on this program and will be scheduling riders on a “first come, first served” basis.

The following criteria must be met in order to qualify for FSS funding:

Registered with OPWDD
Reside in a private home environment (not a group home setting) in Erie, Cattaraugus counties (for WNY), or Wyoming County (for FL)
Submit a letter of eligibility, NOD, life plan or other documentation from the OPWDD with their TABS ID# for eligibility to be determined.
Useful items: Copy of most recent IEP or copy of most recent Behavior Plan.
Information will need to be submitted yearly for ongoing consideration in the program.

If the Rider Utilizes Self Direction:

Funding for the High Hurdles Therapeutic Horseback Riding/High Hurdles Behavioral program will need to be allocated in their budget.

a. FL region (Wyoming Co): Unit cost is $124.63 ($997.04 per session)

b. WNY region (Catt. and Erie Co): Unit cost is $123.48 ($987.84 per session)

**These costs vary from our out-of-pocket costs as they are determined by the contract with NYS.

Assuming funding is allocated, and the rider has been determined as eligible, the registration packet may then be submitted. If it is not, the family will need to work with their team to get the funding allocated prior to service.

If families choose to pay themselves, it is the sole responsibility of the family to ensure lessons are paid for (at the out-of-pocket rate)

Your Care Coordinator or team may be able to help you with this process if you are unsure.

You will be contacted after the determination of eligibility is made and at that point can submit registration paperwork including schedule options.

The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities’ Family Support Services Program funds services through not-for-proﬁt agencies in the community and through the regional Developmental Disabilities Services Ofﬁces (DDSO). Services may include: respite (day, evening, overnight); recreation (day, evening, summer/day camp); family reimbursement/cash subsidy; case management/ service coordination; counseling; behavior management; crisis intervention; ﬁnancial and life planning assistance; information/referral/outreach; training; transportation; special adaptive equipment and environmental modiﬁcation.