Biographical details Rick is a "born and bred" Tasmanian, (1956) with a keen interest in military horses and saddlery, long equestrian journeys, and the history of his profession; that of Saddler. He started his Education at Cosgrove High School; joined the Navy at the age of 15 and completed his education at HMAS Leeuwin. Rick then went on the join the Electronic Technical Weapons Branch of the Navy and served on many ships and support depots. Upon Discharge from the permanent Navy, Rick served another 8 years in the Reserves on a Patrol Boat. Some of the Hats that Rick has worn since those Navy days include: Qualified Electrical Fitter, Workplace Trainer and Assessor, Ships Master, Marine Engine Driver, Saddler, Horseback Tour Guide, Certificate IV in Business just to mention a few. Ricks passion to write comes from a desire to pass knowledge and stories on, not enough families these days know enough about their ancestors, this can be rectified by simply writing your own story to pass on to your children. When he first started out as a Saddler, 37 years ago the old folk were not happy about passing knowledge on so after one such occasion of stupidly asking an old Saddler for help and being told to "leave it alone boy" Rick declared that if someone wants to learn, He was willing to teach them what he knew, whether that be at their Saddlery School or through the Books he writes. His first Book "Tales of a Saddle Tramp" is about great adventures turning a hobby into a profession and how one man's life can be touched by horses and the bond that develops between horse and rider.