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Surprise! Not everyone here knows how to tow and park a But everyone here should!
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School of Ranch Hosts First Practical Towing Workshop to Help Build Newcomers and Curious Locals Become Self-Reliant.
Everyone with a trailer or camper has been through it. A tight spot with the horse trailer. The dreaded boat ramp. Judgement time at the hay farm. All eyes on you. Safely and effectively towing a trailer is an essential skill for living in Central Oregon.
Yet many newcomers and locals alike lack the experience and confidence to haul livestock, hay, or equipment. Fret no more! School of Ranch is introducing Central Oregon’s only Trailer Towing Basics workshop, a hands-on workshop designed to empower participants with
real-world towing experience. The workshop takes place on March 22, 2025, from 11am to 2pm in Redmond.
Led by experienced trailer-training professional Kelly Patrick, this interactive workshop provides a practical foundation for beginners. Attendees will use their own trucks and trailers to learn critical skills such as understanding tow vehicle and trailer components, proper hook-up techniques, and how towing impacts vehicle handling. The workshop includes a tight driving course where participants will practice maneuvering, adjusting trailer brakes, and executing safe backing-up techniques.
“Trailering isn’t an option — it’s a necessity,” says workshop leader Kelly Patrick. “This workshop is all about making towing safer and more accessible. We want people to feel confident and capable whether they’re hauling animals, feed, or equipment.”
This small-group training is limited to eight participants, ensuring hands-on experience and personalized guidance. Attendees get to use their own vehicle and trailer for the training, and will work in small teams to build confidence in each other. The class fee is $95.
Building Self-Reliance Through Practical Skills
School of Ranch emphasizes self-reliance and practical education. Workshops like Trailer Towing Basics equip participants with essential skills that enhance safety and open the door to rugged outdoor recreation and ranch activities. Being able to transport supplies and livestock confidently is a cornerstone of sustainable rural life and small-scale farming.
“Self-reliance here starts with building traditional, practical skills,” says Mark Gross, Founder of School of Ranch. “It’s fantastic how many people are willing to step up and say, ‘It’s time I learned to do that on my own.”
Register Now
Spots are filling quickly!
Register online at: schoolofranch.org/w-trailer
For more details, contact:
Mark Gross
Founder/Executive Director, School of Ranch
Email: mark@schoolofranch.org
Phone: 650-224-6750
Kelly Patrick
Workshop Leader
Email: kellyvpatrick@gmail.com
Phone: 541-419-9969
About School of Ranch
School of Ranch is a Central Oregon-based, volunteer-led, student-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit. School of Ranch hires skilled community members to teach practical and artisan skills to newcomers and curious locals. School of Ranch’s product is education, but its purpose is to help people discover common ground regardless of politics, age, background, or beliefs.
