Patrick comes from a non-horsey family and trained as a BHSAI in the early 1970s. He then trained and worked for Pat Manning FBHS for his BHSI. In 1982, Patrick became a member of the BHS Scotland training committee, a position he held for seven years. Patrick eventually become a Fellow of the BHS in 1995.

During the early 1990s Patrick was a member of the BHS Examinations committee and chaired the first British Equestrian Tourism Advisory Group. In 1996 he moved back south of the border where he became a freelance instructor. Patrick rides as much as possible and continues to teach students for exams and competition riders from grassroots upwards.

Patrick is a BHS Chief Examiner and Riding Club Master Judge. He has been a member of the Society for over 30 years and during this time has taught all over Britain – including the most northerly Orkney Islands. He has examined for the Society in Hong Kong, Spain, Singapore and acted as an inspector of riding schools overseas, as well as undertaking a great deal of work in Dubai, teaching and training instructors.

Patrick was made an OBE in the New Year's Honours list 2010.