06/06/2026
Well folks, it’s been over a month so I suppose it must be real.
It is with bittersweet hearts we announce the retirement of our much beloved Executive Director, Sandy Glau-Hyduchak.
A longtime horse loving gal, Sandy came to our organization as a volunteer back in early 2023, with a strong background in social work. Sandy served Lincoln County residents for twenty-nine years in the Developmental Disabilities Program, and saw potential to continue her valuable contributions to our county through equine assisted activities and therapies.
Sandy quickly identified things that must be done, and took on a staff position with the program as Volunteer Coordinator later in 2023. All of a sudden the barn was cleaner, more energized, and brighter somehow. Maybe it was the eyelashes. Maybe it was serendipity. Whatever it was, Sandy dove in with passion and power, and completed a PATH Intl. Certification as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning in February of 2025.
As massive community shifts arose in March of 2025 with the beginning of the end of our parent nonprofit, Olalla Center, Sandy stepped up again, this time into an Executive Director role. Sandy was instrumental in creating the independent nonprofit that you all know as Brighter Horizons Equine today.
Sandy worked relentlessly not just to keep our program running, but to shape it into thriving. From stall cleaning to planning special events, forging new community partnerships to professional networking, she did it all, and she did it with style! Staff numbers grew, horses got happier and healthier, and the barn changed for the better under her leadership. Sandy had a particular gift for guiding people into flourishing…giving a balanced serving of support and challenge to each of us. Under her wing we’ve all grown professionally and personally, and our horses have grown a little plumper. (Especially India!)
With an impeccable sense of timing, Sandy moved through months of simultaneous uncertainty and joy, taking it all in stride unfailingly. Despite many heartfelt objections from staff and volunteers alike, we grudgingly accepted that it was only fair she be allowed to live in well deserved retirement as May of 2026 came to a close.
It has truly taken this long to sink in, and we wish Sandy the most boring, knitting filled, bird watching, books in bed (with reading glasses of course) decaffeinated tea saturated retirement ever. So boring in fact, that she keeps coming back to the barn for fun.
Because if it weren’t apparent enough by this tribute…she remains very loved and will be missed daily. She has big boots to fill, but true to form she gave just the right person the opportunity to step up. Check in soon to meet our new fearless leader!!
Sandy, you have left an indelible legacy. It has been an honor to work by your side.
