Bob Childress was a founder of the United States Border Collie Handlers Association (USBCHA), served as a charter Director of the American Border Collie Association (ABCA), and a TSDA Director. Bob was not only involved in the creation of these organizations but an amazing competitor. Bob was the first Open Champion at the Texas Sheep Dog Association Finals. He led the way for Americans going overseas to compete in herding trials, traveling to Great Britain in the early 1980s. At that time, he had two great dogs, Nan and Lyn. Nan was a dog he purchased from Pope Roberson in Elgin. She won 27 open trials. Lyn was a dog he imported from Northern England when she was a pup and he trained her himself. She also had a great trial career winning 26 open trials and placing second in another 25. And to put a hat on it his dog, Fly, won the USBCHA National Championship in 1984. He was also a gracious host of dog trailers hosting several events at his Seven U Ranch.

Herding Ambassador (Erby Chandler Award) - Congratulations to Erby Chandler for inspiring and receiving the inaugural TSDA Erby Chandler Herding Ambassador Award! This award will now be presented annually to an individual selected for their dedication to promoting and supporting the sport of herding. Erby is 86 years young. He began working with dogs on his ranch in 1961 where he depended on his dogs for helping with daily gathering large and small herds of sheep and going back for those they missed in west Texas rough country. He brought that experience and knowledge to trialing seven years ago where he stands out not only as a tough competitor but also brings light-hearted fun to every trial he attends. Honest and sincere to the core, Erby Chandler is the epitome of an ambassador for both cattle and sheep herding. We are all lucky to know him.

Preston was one of the founders of the TSDA and was ahead of his time in the border collie world, in Texas as well as the United States. Preston was an accomplished handler, trainer and competitor from the 1950s thru the 1970s. His training knowledge was sought out by handlers near and far. He shared his insight with names such as Pence, Pulfer, and Fogt as well as countless others. Preston’s dogs were equally well known and respected, including his renown Dan, Nan and Tam who were competitors at trials from the Bluegrass classic in Kentucky and throughout Texas. Dan and Nan pups were also very sought after. Preston was one of the first in Texas to import Border Collies from Great Britain, introducing genetics and training techniques that had far reaching impact in the US. Preston was rarely beat in the open class, winning DOY honors in 1971 with Tam, and 1972 with Dan. In the early years of American sheepdog trialing there wasn’t an established National championship, but the Bluegrass classic in Kentucky was recognized as the pinnacle of the sport. Preston is believed to have never won this prestigious trial but, finished as runner up on at least 3 occasions.