The Fitzgeralds were one of the first dairy farmers who settled in Beechmont in the late 1800s.
You can still see Warren’s treehouse in the iconic small leaf fig tree on the hill where the old farmhouse stood until it was chopped up for firewood many years ago.
Now it’s 2026 and Warren Fitzgerald has been quietly working, gathering and training his horses to form a brigade of nature’s companions for people in need. It’s a specialist area with physical and psychological recovery for people suffering trauma of varying degree.
I recently asked Warren about his farm, and the horses, and is he still hiring out his horses for trail rides? Here is his thoughtful and inspiring reply.
“The frame of my work is so wide, there are no limitations to who I might take on as clients. There are referrals from health care providers, self-referral, NDIS. They are of course, all welcome. Some individuals may have a specific diagnosis or identify a specific issue, while others may wish to just get out into nature, exploring their relationship with other animal species, be that horse, cattle, chooks or the bush.
“All my work is client centred – the client leads the way – safety and relationships are the key underpinning factors.
“Honouring and safety of the horses is a primary factor, always.
“What I love about the work is I’m here on the magic Beech Mountain with my Nursing Registration, Public Health Masters and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Certification. I have the skills and experience to provide support and therapy to a range of individuals and families.
“Our recent event here was a gathering of 10 local folks with a connection to horses both past and present and our elderly neighbour aged 96 was a very special guest.
“The Chinese New Year of the Red Fire Horse, 2026, presented a wonderful opportunity for friends to gather to explore together a more thoughtful way of being with our horses as it rides with both energy and grace and a reminder for us to stay grounded and to burn brightly from our hearts.
“Together we gently explored the invitation to step into the horse’ space with awareness of how our energy influences theirs and theirs ours. Two organisms adjusting to one another with curiosity and wonder as we shared the space to observe and read our horses nervous systems whilst noticing signs of their relaxation and or withdrawal and possible escalating stress.
“As we softly connected with the herd the progress came with our understanding and working with the horses’ nervous systems.
Our aim in this session was to strengthen our partnerships with our horses as they explored our invitations with curiosity, trust and safety.
“Ultimately our relationships with animals have a lot to teach us about our relationships with people and ourselves and vice versa. Together we were exploring the process of developing a secure base in both the equines and in humans in our relationships.
“I hope this provides some insight into the magic of the horse and the gifts and joy they offer.”
Warren really does have the perfect job.
For more information about Warren and The Wagon Stop, visit thewagonstop.com.au.
