Welcome to the Texas Herding Association
Welcome to the Texas Herding Association (THA)! Founded in 2011, the Texas Herding Association is a nonprofit club dedicated to promoting herding throughout Central Texas. We support various herding venues, including the AKC, ABHA, ASCA, and Border Collie trials. Our club is open to all herding breeds and all levels of enthusiasts. We participate a variety of activities including herding clinics, fun days, practice sessions, herding instinct testing, Farm Dog Certification, and herding evaluations. Check out our events section for information on upcoming tests, trials, and Farm Dog Certification dates.
Meet the Board
Jamie Swanson
President
Jamie Swanson has been involved in competitive dog sports with Border Collies for over 30 years and has been a member of the Texas Herding Association since 2017.
Carolynn Cobb
Vice President
Carolynn is a newcomer to herding. She and her four Berger Picards have been active in conformation, and herding with THA for the past 6 years. Her dog “ Trips” earned Championships in AKC, AHBA, and ASCA under the tutelage and handling of professional trainer and judge, Pat Taylor. Carolynn says she hopes to one day learn half as much as her dogs know.
Connie Nelin
Secretary
Connie entered her young briard in the first THA Test and Trials Fun Match in April of 2011 and completely fell in love with herding with her briards. She has been a member of the THA since June 2011 and is trial secretary at many of the trials.
Vicki King
Treasurer
Vickie been competing in dog sports with Shelties since 1976 including Obedience, Rally, Agility and Herding.
Dalyce Brell
Member at Large
Dalyce is the proud guardian of Border Collie Blur, Trik, a rescued BCX, and her Border Collie Blyss who has crossed over the bridge. Dalyce has been involved for over 20 years in a variety of canine sports and is a certified canine massage therapist and fitness therapist.
Carla Makosy
Member at Large
Carla Makosy has been involved in competitive dog sports for over 40 years with Shetland sheepdogs, collies, and border collies and is a founding member of Texas Herding Association.
Pat Huskinson
Member at Large
Pat Huskinson and her husband are both retired from JCPenney. We moved to Texas to be closer to our two daughters and four granddaughters. We enjoy all the dog sports and now we have time to play with our German Shepherds!
Membership Information
Who should join: "Anyone passionate about herding activities and dog training in Texas is welcome to join! Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning to explore these pursuits, our community embraces all levels of experience and dedication to the rewarding world of herding."
Benefits of Membership: "Membership offers access to a range of events, specialized training sessions, valuable resources, and a supportive community of fellow herding enthusiasts. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of herding activities and connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passion."
| Type | Annual Dues |
|---|---|
| Regular Membershp | $20.00 |
| Household Membershp | $30.00 |
| Associated Membershp | $10.00 |
| Junior Membership | $5.00 |
For more information, please refer to our Club Bylaws.
To join, download the Membership Application (PDF) or fill out the Fillable Membership Application (PDF).
Upcoming Events
| Event Name | Event Date | Event Opening Date | Event Closing Date | Event Location | Registration Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AKC Herding Trial | December 7-8, 2024 | September 1, 2024 | November 27, 2024 | Destiny Farm, Bertram, TX | Premium |
| AKC Herding Judge Seminar | January 18, 2025 | TBD | TBD | Springhill Suites Austin Cedar Park, 1110 Discovery Blvd Cedar Park, TX 78613 |
Flyer
Registration Information |
| AKC Herding Trial | March 15-16, 2025 | TBD | TBD | Destiny Farm, Bertram, TX | Coming |
Resources
The resources provided on this page are intended for informational purposes only. Texas Herding Association does not endorse any specific trainer, video, or facility over another. Users are encouraged to exercise their own judgment and discretion when utilizing these resources. The inclusion of any resource does not imply endorsement by Texas Herding Association.
Herding Articles
- Flanking Off Balance By Sheryl McDonald
- Stock Handling at Trials By Kyle Trumbull-Clark
- Off-Contact Flanks with the Box Exercise By Pat Taylor
- Off-Contact Flanks with the Box Exercise By Pat Taylor
- Marking Behaviour 101 By Pat Taylor
- Mindset By Pat Taylor
- The Art Of The Packed Pen By Pat Taylor
- Training the Out By Pat Taylor