Deborah Dows founded The Southlands Foundation, which was formed from the “south land” of Foxhollow, the estate of her father Tracy Dows. Southlands spans nearly 200 acres overlooking the Hudson River. The property dates back to the original King’s grant to the Livingston and Beekman families from which Mrs. Dows is a descendant. Combining her understanding of land, animals, and people, with her teaching interest, she opened the riding school in the late 1930’s. Her aim was to use horsemanship to teach respect and love for the land and its animals, both wild and tame. This dedication built character, leadership, responsibility, and confidence in her students. She was one of the few women students at the Spanish Riding School, and in her lifetime she trained numerous riders, and also bred and raised horses and ponies. She was a founding member of the Landsman Kill Trail Association. These accomplishments shaped the philosophy and mission of The Southlands Foundation.