BEND, Ore. – Central Oregon is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its rugged landscapes and wide-open spaces attracting many to the area. Whether it’s for hiking, camping, or horseback riding, the outdoor lifestyle is a major draw. However, for those new to the area – and especially those unfamiliar with towing trailers – learning how to properly navigate this aspect of rural living can be a challenge.
For many, towing and backing up a trailer is a completely new experience that requires practice, patience, and skill. Enter the School of Ranch, a nonprofit organization offering hands-on workshops that help individuals develop practical skills for the outdoor lifestyle. Their latest offering, a trailer-towing workshop, is designed to help people learn how to safely and confidently tow and maneuver various types of trailers.
The workshop, held at the Deschutes County Sheriff Mounted Posse facility, attracted participants eager to develop their trailer skills. Among them was Cathie Springman, who, after purchasing a horse trailer four years ago, found herself struggling with backing it up. “I really need to learn how to back my horse trailer,” she said. “A few of my friends said, ‘So do I.’ So we decided to create a workshop to learn how to tow our trailers.”
Kelly Patrick, a trainer with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, led the session. He teaches the Sheriff’s Office staff and volunteers how to load, tow, and operate specialized equipment for Search and Rescue operations. Patrick shared his expertise with the group, walking them through how to properly hook up trailers, drive with them, and navigate tricky maneuvers like backing into tight spaces.
Mark Gross, founder of the School of Ranch, explained the importance of such workshops for the local community. “A lot of people who move to Central Oregon are attracted to the outdoor lifestyle. But towing is one of those things that isn’t intuitive, especially if you didn’t grow up doing it,” Gross said. “We’re here to fill that gap and help people gain the skills they need.”
For many participants, the workshop provided a “lightbulb” moment. James Laurick, a local who attended the class to improve his trailer-towing skills, said the most valuable lesson he learned was the importance of small adjustments. “I used to overcompensate and make big turns,” he said. “Kelly showed us that it’s all about making small adjustments to guide the trailer.”
The workshop included both classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Participants brought various types of trailers – including horse, boat, and camping trailers – and practiced driving their own rigs. While backing up a trailer straight may not be too difficult once the basics are understood, it’s the tight 90-degree turns that many struggle with. Participants were encouraged to practice slowly and steadily, with Patrick offering personalized guidance to help them get comfortable with each maneuver.
Springman, who showed significant improvement during the session, expressed how much her confidence had grown. “I feel like I can now practice on my own or with my husband. Sometimes, it’s easier to learn from someone else than from a spouse or partner,” she said. “It’s just going to take more practice before I feel like a pro.”
One key takeaway from the workshop was that it’s perfectly fine to get out of the truck and physically check the positioning of the trailer. “That was a game-changer for me,” Springman admitted after successfully backing her horse trailer into a tight parking space. “I was so close to the barrels, but it worked. Thanks to the tips and encouragement from everyone, I feel a lot more confident.”
As the workshop progressed, Patrick also covered important safety topics, such as proper trailer hitch connections and the operation of trailer brakes, especially on heavier trailers. “When you’re attaching safety chains, make sure the hooks are facing backward,” Patrick explained. “That way, if the hitch detaches, the trailer stays connected to the vehicle.”
The overarching goal of the School of Ranch is to ensure that participants leave the workshop feeling confident and prepared to tow safely. However, Gross emphasized that the learning doesn’t stop there. “They won’t master it in one day, but they’ll have the foundation to go out and practice on their own,” he said. “The skills take time, but with consistent practice, they’ll become second nature.”
Beyond the technical skills, the workshop also provided an opportunity for community-building. Gross noted that one of the primary missions of the School of Ranch is to foster connections among people from diverse backgrounds. “In today’s world, we really need to come together,” he said. “You’re not going to argue about politics when you’re learning how to back up a trailer.”
The trailer-towing workshop is just one example of the practical, hands-on learning experiences offered by the School of Ranch. With a focus on self-sufficiency, the organization offers a variety of workshops designed to help people thrive in the Great Outdoors. From animal care to practical skills like towing, the School of Ranch aims to equip individuals with the tools they need to fully embrace the outdoor lifestyle in Central Oregon.
For those interested in learning more about the School of Ranch’s upcoming workshops, visit their website for more information. And for those thinking about getting into the world of towing trailers, Laurick offered some simple advice: “You’ve got to practice. It’s a counterintuitive experience, but with a little persistence, it becomes second nature.”
