Board of Directors

President

Jacob grew up at Southlands, having taken his first ride here at age 4. He has been a part of the Southlands family for over a quarter century.  As a child, he rode in pony camps, graduated to be one of the counselors and he competed in many horse shows across the region including many years at the Dutchess County Fair. Today, one can often find him riding his mare Salem around the farm. He continues to volunteer in many ways, assisting our barn staff with maintaining our grounds, managing our herd and offering his technological services & expertise to the office staff. His support of the Southlands school of horsemanship, deep connection to our history and his work with our buildings & grounds reflects his deep dedication to Southlands. Most notably, he created the Nicole Marie Wiley Scholarship Fund to honor his late wife who he met at Southlands and served as our Barn Manager. This fund supports working students in their horsemanship education at Southlands and their ability to participate in shows and clinics in the local community. His involvement through the years is testament of his love for Southlands.

Treasurer

Suzanne Battenfeld has a decades long career at IBM as a marketing executive as well as her own entrepreneurial endeavors within her family’s farm, Battenfeld’s Flower & Christmas Tree Farm (one of the region’s oldest & most beloved businesses).   Suzanne grew up riding at Southlands, where her family rode as young children as well. Today, she continues to ride and enjoy her horse Witano and has been a dedicated supporter of The Southlands Foundation and its mission.

Non-Executive Director

Elise Quasebarth is a Founding Partner of Higgins Quasebarth & Partners LLC, an historic preservation consultancy in New York City whose practice includes the rehabilitation of historic properties and the construction of new buildings in historic districts.  A former Board President and near daily Southlands’ rider, she is inspired by both the people and the horses at Southlands - especially her horse Faire. Elise delights in late December sunsets over Big Field and long autumn rides through our trails.

Non-Executive Director

Liz Golden Hilton is a long-time supporter of The Southlands Foundation. As young girl, Liz rode with Deborah Dows (then known as Mrs. Thomas) as her instructor. Her first lesson was in 1966. Ms. Golden Hilton credits her experiences under Deborah as having instilled a strong compassion for animals and stewardship of our natural landscape. Liz is also a Southlands volunteer and works with our longtime neighbors & partner 501c3, Samaritan Daytop Village Rehabilitation Center in a weekly equine-assisted program. Liz has extensive not-for- profit experience and currently serves on the boards of St. Francis Hospital (which helped form what is now Mid-Hudson Regional) and the Hyde Park Visual Environment Committee, focusing its efforts on beautifying the Historic Town of Hyde Park. She also serves as a volunteer for these two organizations. Additionally, Ms. Golden Hilton expresses her love & appreciation for all animals with over two decades as a volunteer at the Dutchess County SPCA .