Born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario, David was bitten by the horse bug early thanks to his Grandmother who showed Hackney Horses for Mrs. Helen Show of Peterborough. David showed his first pony, Danny Boy, in saddle pony classes and pony races all over Ontario. Later on, David started shoeing his own ponies under the mentorship of John Schell and Ralph Sadler.

Along with his sister Alecia, he began a long career of training and showing their own Hackney and Shetland ponies with such notable names as Centennial Boy, Colourful Banner, April Showers, Top Awards Curtis, Colonel Ben, Mr. High Society - who he won the Gig class at the Royal Winter in 1984 - ‘A’ Sharp, Royal Gal, Knee Pants, and Beau Jangles just to name a few.

As well as training his own ponies, David also trained for Chris Lockyer, Ann and Norm Moffat, Dr. Judy Bell, Ron MacKenzie and Nelson and John Lester. Under David’s tutelage, Nelson and John’s pony Scott Free won the Under Hackney Pony class and was Reserve Champion at the Royal Winter Fair in 1992. 

Following in her family's footsteps, David’s daughter Chrissy first entered the show ring at the young age of 3. She showed and trained right alongside her dad and had a great showing career, including winning the Jr. Exhibitor Driving class at the CNE and was the Reserve Champion Jr. Exhibitor at the Royal Winter Fair her last year as a Junior.

David always said there is nothing better than driving a good team. He had a lot of success with Centennial Boy & Colourful Banner, ‘A’ Sharp and Royal Gal/Knee Pants. David’s last Hackney pony team was Street Legal and Second the Motion which he bought from the late Kathryn Boyd. He also loved driving a nice road pony. His favorite being The Real McCoy.

When David decided to try his hand at Road Horses he had an absolute blast; especially in his favorite class the Team. With Doinittherightway he won the Stallion Class at the Royal Winter Fair 2 years in a row, in addition to winning many red ribbons in the Team, Wagon, and Bike classes throughout Ontario.

David did not limit his showing/training career to just Hackney and Road Horses, but rather he and his sister, Alecia, also showed Belgians for Murray Grove of Stouffville. Furthermore, David’s passion for the horse industry led him into the show ring with Morgans, Arabians, Quarter Horses, Welsh ponies and lately Commercial Horses. David’s last 2 ponies were a road pony and a pleasure pony which meant he had shown in every single Hackney division.

David of course wouldn’t have been able to do what he did without the help of his “Ground Crew”; which included, his dad Dick, mom Audrey, wife Linda and “Grandchildren” Cameron and Caitlin just to name a few, who were always there to help on and off the farm.