Born at Moose Jaw Saskatchewan , Rick was first exposed to spotted horses at the High Park Riding Club, where Ed Paysen (brother of Werner Paysen) boarded some Appaloosas. Rick’s horse was kept in the same barn, and Ed was soon acting as role model and mentor for the young trainer.  When the National Appaloosa Show came to place Moose Jaw in 1964, the Paysen connection gave Rick the opportunity to ride Werner Paysen’s mare, Golden Eagle Steal Away ApHCC #616, in the Appaloosa race. Having finally ridden one, Rick was very impressed with the speed of the Appaloosa horse, and when the opportunity later arose to show halter and performance Appaloosas for C.D. Brown, the young trainer jumped at the chance. He also became a regional representative for the Edmonton-based Canada Rides magazine, a position which led to Rick covering the National Appaloosa Show in Prince Albert , Saskatchewan, and meeting with many prominent Canadian Appaloosa breeders.  
In 1973, Rick moved to Calgary . There he met Bill Sturm, who was show chairman for the 16th Canadian National Appaloosa in Calgary that year. When C.D. Brown heard about the upcoming National, he asked Rick to show Hancock’s Pixie for him there, where she won Reserve National Champion. The following year C.D. Brown sent the young stallion Red Eye’s Spark ApHCC #7933 and a two year old filly to Rick to show and sell. Rick promptly bought the stud colt, and showed both horses with success, establishing Rick as both a trainer and showman in Alberta . He later joined the Calgary Regional Appaloosa Club, serving as a director then president Don Noyes hired Rick as a consultant in 1977 to set up an Appaloosa show string for him. Rick purchased some outstanding horses on Noyes behalf, including Classy Splash, Goleta , and Wadonna. All three mares became champions in Canada , with Goleta going on to be named Reserve World Champion.  Colida’s Joy, another find by Rick, went on to win a World Championship. 
Another Appaloosa fancier, Russ Kitchin, then asked Rick to show Sparkett King Rio ApHCC #13156, a daughter of Red Eye’s Spark for him. The versatile mare was so successful in her show career that she was chosen as the first Canadian Appaloosa to be exhibited at Equitana in Germany, where she sold to Italy.   When Russ Kitchin became sole owner of the Jo Warren Medallion winner Dari Maid ApHCC #16264, she was also sent to Rick’s stable. After an outstanding career with Rick in halter, performance, and as a brood mare, she was inducted into the ApHCC Hall of Fame.