Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
11 Jun 2025
Feedback
51
Email verified
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
Fiona and I are looking for a Strong cowboy/girl to help with the horses, landscaping, irrigation,moving bales of hay , tractor work, trailers, and also keeping the horse areas, pool, chicken coops etc. clean plus running errands etc. The work mainly consists of: help with the house cleaning, horses, dogs, chickens and landscaping we have 13 horses so horse experience is preferred.
You will be cleaning horses and lots of manure, it's heavy manual work, if you don't like this kind of work this may not be your place.
Fiona and I are roomates, I am from Mexico and she is from Switzerland, Don't expect and American family, there is not one american here, We eat mostly European style and not many processed foods, so if you want to eat something different than what we eat, you have to cook it. We are both vegetarians, but you're welcome to cook meat for yourself and others who might enjoy it that day, including my daughter Daniela. Fiona works doing massage theraphy and I travel and play a lot, dancing Salsa and Bachata is my hobby. Fiona is in charge of managing the farm.
Someone who can use a tractor helps a lot since we use it every week to dump the manure into the dumpsters etc.
If you like horses and know how to ride, we can have you as a riding buddy. To qualify as a riding buddy you need to be able to: Halter your horse, groom the horse, saddle the horse and then unsaddle, bathe the horse and turn it out again. My horses are not for beginners: most of them are large, young, and energetic, some Friesian Shire mixes, Several Stallions, German warmblood and breeding mares. there's not one dead broke easy to ride horse.
You will be in the house with us, and be like a part of our family, when I am not out at some event I like to have dinner together and we can help with your English and Spanish: I am fully bilingual, Fiona speaks German and English.
We are very active and like to include people from all over the world as part of our family and learn from their cultures and country. We have a pool, a home gym you can use, lots of recreation areas plus a bus stop nearby.
The pool is nice on hot summer days
It will be very hot in the summer and there will be lots of flies,
This is a small ranch so ranch work is what we require.
I also would also really like someone who knows how to train horses with natural horsemanship and/or a professional latin dancer to go to events with.
Rita
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Self development
Culture
Events & social
Vegetarian or vegan
Pets
Animals
Gardening
Cooking & food
Music
Hiking
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Fitness
Camping
Mountain
Dancing
Beach
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
you can learn about horses, life in USA, business opportunities, Learn about Real Estate investing and also English and Spanish language, we are very active and like to include people from all over the world as part of our family and learn from their culture and country.
Help
Feeding horses, Cleaning after horses (stalls, fields) grass cutting, weed pulling, tree trimming, cooking, shopping for food, cleaning the house. oiling saddles, house paint and maintenance, pool care.
No smokers, of any kind please.
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Accommodation
A room on your own with a queen bed, two workawayers can share a room with bunk queens. shared bathroom.
What else ...
There is a bus stop close to the house, Phoenix has many many choices for entertainment , the library offers many culture passes for free, lots of shopping and close by visits include Sedona, Las Vegas, Lake pleasant, Saguaro Lake, the Grand Canyon etc.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Yes we can host digital Nomads, We have internet, just not very fast.
Space for parking camper vans
We have full hookups for RV's and place for vans
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 764437811262
Feedback (28)
30 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Amin & Tannaz) for host
Staying with Rita and Thommy was a great experience. We learned a lot about horses and how to take care of them. We went dancing with Rita, and her friends taught us how to dance salsa. Thommy taught us how to surf on an E-foil. We had the pleasure of being there for Rita's birthday, and they threw an amazing party. We thoroughly enjoyed our time… read more
24 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Maura)
Maura is an amazing young lady, full of positive energy, a hard worker, very organized, and a joy to have around, This is what workaway should always be like a person willing to help and make the host's life better with her great attitude and willingness to give her time and also be in the home like a family member, so comfortable and helping with… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Moira)
Moira is very responsible and clean around the house, she took care of the animals and not one horse ever went without water or any gates left open, we had not one incident of that kind when she was here, she has traveled a lot and is flexible,
she gave me the freedom to come and go without having to worry about the many animals I have
Thank you… read more
she gave me the freedom to come and go without having to worry about the many animals I have
Thank you… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.9)
30 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Amin & Tannaz) for host
Staying with Rita and Thommy was a great experience. We learned a lot about horses and how to take care of them. We went dancing with Rita, and her friends taught us how to dance salsa. Thommy taught us how to surf on an E-foil. We had the pleasure of being there for Rita's birthday, and they threw an amazing party. We thoroughly enjoyed our time… read more
24 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Maura)
Maura is an amazing young lady, full of positive energy, a hard worker, very organized, and a joy to have around, This is what workaway should always be like a person willing to help and make the host's life better with her great attitude and willingness to give her time and also be in the home like a family member, so comfortable and helping with… read more
(Excellent)
23 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Moira)
Moira is very responsible and clean around the house, she took care of the animals and not one horse ever went without water or any gates left open, we had not one incident of that kind when she was here, she has traveled a lot and is flexible,
she gave me the freedom to come and go without having to worry about the many animals I have
Thank you… read more
she gave me the freedom to come and go without having to worry about the many animals I have
Thank you… read more
(Excellent)
1 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Isabella)
Isabella was great to have around, she always asks questions before doing things and gets up early to finish her chores, she's very easygoing and a joy to have around the house,e a beautiful smile, and has good stories to tell also, Loves animals and is very responsible, Thank You for staying with us!
(Excellent)
24 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Isabella) for host
Staying with Rita and Tommy was one of my first workaway experiences and my first place to stay in the US...I couldn't have found a better place to do it!!! I loved my time there and enjoyed it very much. Doing something with animals pretty much every day for an extended period of time was a dream come true for me. It is definitely a place for… read more
26 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Anna-Lena & Dominik) for host
The workaway at Rita’s and Tommy’s ranch was a really great experience. We got in touch with them at a really short notice but their were able to fit us into their plans (even during the holidays). We were invited to a Mexican posada they were doing on their property. We had a lovely Christmas evening and last but not least a fantastic New Years… read more
10 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Marion) for host
I had a wonderful experience with Rita and Tommy, i was supposed to stay only 1 week and i finally stayed 2 weeks more as i felt so comfortable with them
Rita is really generous and kind, she offer me the possibility to discover the dance community in Phoenix and i had such beautiful moments with them 🥰
she shared with me advices about horses,… read more
Rita is really generous and kind, she offer me the possibility to discover the dance community in Phoenix and i had such beautiful moments with them 🥰
she shared with me advices about horses,… read more
25 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (William) for host
Staying with Rita and Tommy was a real pleasure. I got to experience a beautiful and fascinating side of Phoenix and spend time with their beautiful horses. They wore both fantastic company, and went out of their way to help me with the things I wanted to do whilst in Arizona. I had a wonderful time, thank you both
31 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicolas)
Nic was here right when we needed someone due to our travels, so it was such a good thing he came, he kept the 4 dogs super happy, playing, cleaning after them etc. Nic has good energy with all animals and kept the house, sink, kitchen and everything neat and tidy, he is not someone to just sit around, he likes to help, it was great to have him… read more
(Excellent)
28 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Nicolas) for host
I had an easy 2 weeks helping out at Rita and Tom’s place. Everyone was very kind and welcoming during my stay. I mostly helped out with watering plants and watching over the dogs, while they were in and out of the house. Which left plenty of time to do my own thing. Though they have such a lovely place with everything I could need during an… read more
18 Apr 2022
Left by Workawayer (Alejandro) for host
This experience was great, Rita is a tremendous host with alot of knowledge to share. If hordes are yr thing and you want to sharpen yr horse skills/knowledge, this is the place to go.
6 Apr 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Anne)
Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute
(Workawayer cancelled last minute / no-show )
19 Feb 2022
Left by Workawayer (Ella) for host
My time at rita was incredibly great! Instead of 3 weeks, I stayed 2.5 months and felt so comfortable. The work is really not much and if you like animals you've come to the right place !! I learned a lot about Mexican culture and had a lot of cool parties with rita! Rita supported me wonderfully with everyone and made me feel a little at home.… read more
18 Feb 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Louise & Antoine)
It was Great having Louise at home, she is fun, easy to get along with, independent and knows the task at hand, helped both in the house and outside with the animals, we heard no complaints and a lot of laughter, she loves animals and also gets along well with kids she was really nice to my niece and got along easily with everyone home, we… read more
(Excellent)
17 Feb 2022
Left by Workawayer (Louise & Antoine) for host
I've spent two amazing weeks at Rita and Tommy's house. They are both very busy people but they take time to share their daily life and passions. During my stay I learned a lot about horses and Rita helped me work on my posture on the horse. She was very patient and honest ( she will let you know if you do something the wrong way). The work was… read more
10 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Thomas)
Thomas was a great help with our animals and other projects, he was very responsible, kept the horses, pigs, chickens, etc, fed and clean and in good condition, we never had a runaway horse or horses with no water, etc. He is fun to talk to and has great stories and experiences from all over the world, he can also cook and Sing! I would recommend… read more
(Excellent)
10 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Thomas) for host
I had a great time volunteering at Rita and Tommy´s place in Phoenix. The work was fun and easy, feeding horses, pig and chickens twice a day, and cleaning after the horses, food was abundant and excellent, i had a private room and bathroom to relax for two weeks, and a good time and lively conversations with Rita, Tommy and the other volunteers.… read more
3 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Iveta)
Iveta is a very nice and polite young lady that helped us with the horses, chickens dogs and around the house, she cleaned after herself and more without being asked, she helped us paint the horse trailer and did a good job, followed directions, she loves animals and is very clean around the house our kitchen was spotless when she was here which… read more
(Excellent)
25 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer (Iveta) for host
I spent spent amazing 5 weeks with Rita and Tommy in their home in Phoenix! It was my first workawayer experience and all I can say is I couldn’t have chosen any better. It’s been an incredible experience! They are both very nice and accommodating, I felt like at home! They are people that truly enjoy their life and very active. I admire their… read more
5 Sep 2021
Left by Workawayer (Veronika) for host
We stayed with Rita, Tommy and their daughter on our way to California for nearly 3 weeks. We got a little private room in a complex next door, where we also had a little home gym available which we used many morning all together for group trainings. We learned a lot of new skills for example about a technique called: "epoxy", where we coated a… read more
14 Feb 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Veronika)
Veronika and Daniel came to our home with very positive energy and ready to take on any tasks that were thrown at them, they learned a bit about horse care and were very responsible with the animals and the different chores, they helped me finish and epoxy countertop that turned out beautifully and also took some amazing Real estate pictures,… read more
(Excellent)
10 Feb 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Zachary)
Zachary was a pleasure to have with us; he is very capable with horses, organized, pays attention to detail, hard-working and independent, I was very comfortable leaving him with the responsibility to take care of all the animals, we had zero issues with him (things that have happened in the past like horses with no water, runaway horses etc., The… read more
(Excellent)
18 Jan 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Marty & Sarah)
Marty and Sarah are a wonderful adventurous couple that came just at the right time to help us with many projects and take care of our many animals, including 6 horses, lots of Chickens and About 10 dogs including new puppies who were a handful. We left for our winter trip to southern Mexico feeling so fortunate to have such responsible, caring… read more
(Excellent)
9 Jan 2021
Left by Workawayer (Marty & Sarah) for host
Our 5 weeks spent at Rita & Tommy’s place was great. They gave us enough work to keep us busy, provided way to much food for us to eat, allowed us full use if their wonderful rec room, and trusted us to watch over their home and animals while they went away on vacation. Oh, and we would be remiss if we did not mention how welcoming they were to us… read more
17 Jan 2021
Left by Workawayer (Eike & Camille) for host
Rita and Tommy were very kind and friendly hosts! This was my first workaway experience (Eike’s second) and we both enjoyed ourselves. They were super accommodating, generous, and flexible! They even let us use their Prius for day and weekend trips and let us stay at their cabin in Mormon Lake. We also got to spend Thanksgiving together!
Eike… read more
Eike… read more
6 Nov 2020
Left by Workawayer (Marcelo) for host
WOOW. To kayak at night in a river surrounded by mountains, to fly in a light airplane, to go hiking in a near city.. These are just a few of the wonderful experiences that I lived.
Staying 1 month is ideal. Drivers license, experience in construction, real state or with animals would be a plus but it is NOT NECESSARY AT ALL.
This host is… read more
Staying 1 month is ideal. Drivers license, experience in construction, real state or with animals would be a plus but it is NOT NECESSARY AT ALL.
This host is… read more
20 Oct 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Marcelo)
Marcelo is a very pleasant young man, he is very polite and responsible, he learns fast and is very good at Math, he tutored my son and was very patient, my son has a very hard time understanding Math. He is also very gentle with the animals and makes sure everyone has always plenty of fresh clean water and food, we have 6 horses and they're all… read more
(Excellent)
29 Sep 2020
Left by Workawayer (Simon) for host
I had a great time at Rita and Tommys place. They are so helpful and eager to teach you about anything they know. There is so much to learn there, I am so glad I reached out to them and they let me stay. Make sure to soak up every bit of knowledge they will offer you.
Thank you Rita, and Tommy!
P.S. keep an eye out for the mail
Thank you Rita, and Tommy!
P.S. keep an eye out for the mail
25 Sep 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon)
Simon was a pleasure to have with us for a short 10 days, he is very helpful, learns fast, very respectful, and always ready to help. He took care of the animals including 6 horses, many dogs, and chickens with good responsibility and helped on whatever was needed including trimming lots of spiny mesquite trees. He has a great smile and good sense… read more
(Excellent)
23 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Angel) for host
Our time at Rita and Tommy's was the best we had in a while. They helped us in so many ways. They treated us like a part of the family, opened their doors and their knowledge to us. We helped them move into their new house and there is always something to do at the ranch : take care of the horses, chickens, dogs, help organised the house, cook,… read more
17 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Mateusz)
We hosted Mateusz for two weeks and it was a pleasure to have him with us every day, he has a beautiful contagious smile and a positive attitute that is refreshing, even though he is only 19, he has had many experiences, he has traveled a lot and is not afraid of anything, he knows about art, film, economy and so many more things that the… read more
(Excellent)
17 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Mateusz) for host
Rita is a wonderful host. I stayed with her for 2 weeks but I wish I could have stayed longer. I felt really welcomed in her family and spent really pleasant time hanging out with them. Obviously Rita's ranch is a great place to reconnect with nature, I was waking up with roosters crowing which was really rewarding for me cause I could see a… read more
9 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Daniela ) for host
It was my first time doing this and love every moment of it! Arizona is beautiful Rita and Tommy were amazing. Beautiful home and a great family felt right at home did not want to leave. :sob:Unfortunately we could only do 3 weeks buts it’s was one of the best experiences ever! I love taking care of the animals. I learned a lot from Rita, so now I… read more
23 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Yuval)
Yuval is a great young man and we had a great time having him with us, he loves animals and got along great with he horses, he cooked some Israeli food for us and helped with errands and around the house and also doing jobs like staging and cleaning houses plus he stayed while we were out on a long trip to care for the home and animals and… read more
(Excellent)
12 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Yuval) for host
I arrived and from the very first moment I felt part of the family..Rita is a great hostess and she is simply amazing! I spent a lot of time with Tommy and was wonderful ... I learned a lot from him (the best teacher I had)
Anyone who loves horses and animals and people (!). Just my recommendation to get to Rita!
Anyone who loves horses and animals and people (!). Just my recommendation to get to Rita!
15 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jorge) for host
Rita es una persona encantadora, con mucha empatía, divertida y fácil de tratar, aunque esta siempre muy ocupada, le encanta la gente y se preocupa de que los voluntarios se sientan como en su casa y ayudarlos con cualquier problema que tengan.
Pude aprender de ella sobre el mercado inmobiliario local y sobre entrenamiento de perros.
Tommy es muy… read more
Pude aprender de ella sobre el mercado inmobiliario local y sobre entrenamiento de perros.
Tommy es muy… read more
12 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jorge)
Jorge was an exceptional volunteer, I was so lucky he was the one to train my Friesian cross Mare, she went from a horse just taking a saddle and with some round pen work that had never gone out of the ranch to being a good trail horse, not afraid of much, following voice commands and very subtle leg cues, she stops just to the voice, she is very… read more
(Excellent)
13 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
Rita and Tommy are excellent host. They made you feel at home, one member more of the family. They respect your time and freedom and working for them is easy and wonderful. We had dinner every night together and share tons of things. she is a good teacher and helper and with a lot of patience. I feel so grateful for these 3 months, and know that I… read more
10 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Montse is an excellent volunteer, she is very organized and helped me with the giant piles of documents in my office, which looked overwhelming to me , she sorted, shredded, filed and now it's all more manageable :)
She organized my kitchen and is always very clean in the house, the bathroom and everywhere; she likes cooking Spanish dishes and… read more
She organized my kitchen and is always very clean in the house, the bathroom and everywhere; she likes cooking Spanish dishes and… read more
(Excellent)
3 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Carlos)
Carlos is very hard working, tries to always help whenever possible and goes beyond volunteer work, to him it is personal: any challenge that may be in front of our business or our family he wants to make things right and be there for you when needed.
He is very good with horses and they understand him very well, my Mare looks for him if he's out… read more
He is very good with horses and they understand him very well, my Mare looks for him if he's out… read more
(Excellent)
3 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Carlos) for host
Mi experiencia , ha sido : Maravillosa y Excelente .
Quiero Destacar a Mi anfitriona .
" Rita " Es maravillosa y excepcional .
Sin duda alguna : en España tienes tu casa . Un amigo y un hermano .
" Merece mucho la pena dedicar tu tiempo, trabajo y esfuerzo, para personas tan valiosas "
Desde el primer minuto te hace sentir cómo en tú… read more
Quiero Destacar a Mi anfitriona .
" Rita " Es maravillosa y excepcional .
Sin duda alguna : en España tienes tu casa . Un amigo y un hermano .
" Merece mucho la pena dedicar tu tiempo, trabajo y esfuerzo, para personas tan valiosas "
Desde el primer minuto te hace sentir cómo en tú… read more
16 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Philip) for host
I flew out to Phoenix on a whim, in search for better lifestyle via workaway. This was my first workaway and I got extremely lucky to stay with Rita, Tommy and Nick you start. They took me in with open arms as if I was one of their own, gave me a room, fed me. It was like I was part of the family. They love adventure; Rita and Tommy are the best… read more
21 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Tristan & Johnny)
Great brothers, very easy to get along, hard working, dependable, I recommend them both to any host!
Thank You for staying with us
Thank You for staying with us
(Excellent)
21 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Tristan & Johnny) for host
Awesome people, very sociable and funny, the dogs are adorable, the job is fun and not too hard, it is a very good place to stay!!!
26 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Michel & Kinga) for host
We stayed one month with this Mexican-American family. We had variable tasks, such as caring for horses, chickens and dogs; household tasks, cleaning, teaching Maths, painting, decorating and house-sitting. By helping Rita with her job, we learnt a lot about her flipping business.
Rita is a lively, interesting and enthusiastic person who helped… read more
Rita is a lively, interesting and enthusiastic person who helped… read more
23 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Michel & Kinga)
Great couple, very reliable and easy to get along with, Michel helped my son in Math, Kinga cooked some hungarian food for us and they were hard working with all the horse stable needs and a lot of cleanup, Michel is also a good driver and they were very punctual on their tasks.
Would reccomend to other Hosts.
Best luck inyour travels!
Rita
Would reccomend to other Hosts.
Best luck inyour travels!
Rita
(Excellent)
23 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura & Lukas)
Great Young couple, they helped tutor my son, helped with the horses, cleaning stalls and with fences, they were open to do any jobs and attentive on how to do them, helpful around the house and we had a lot of fun at dinner time, they got along great with my son and it was fun showing them around the area.
I reccomend any host to have them.
Best… read more
I reccomend any host to have them.
Best… read more
(Excellent)
25 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Laura & Lukas) for host
We stayed at this lovely family for 3 weeks in November and really enjoyed our time their. They treated us like a part of family from the first second.
Rita showed us as many places as she could and had time for it and we are really thankful for that. She took us to Tucson to show us a typical Mexican holiday called day of the dead and to many… read more
Rita showed us as many places as she could and had time for it and we are really thankful for that. She took us to Tucson to show us a typical Mexican holiday called day of the dead and to many… read more
20 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Malte & Josephine)
Josi and Malte were very respectful, helpful and easy to deal with, they left the area clean upon departure
and were happy with the accommodations even though they were less than ideal because we were moving and had a full house when they came. Dinner was always enjoyable, they smile and keep calm at all times and are very good about following… read more
and were happy with the accommodations even though they were less than ideal because we were moving and had a full house when they came. Dinner was always enjoyable, they smile and keep calm at all times and are very good about following… read more
(Excellent)
6 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (Malte & Josephine) for host
Josi and I decided very spontaneous to contact Rita &Thommy for a stay and we finally met this Family in a very interesting time where they were about to move in their new home. But we were so happy that the whole Familie welcomed us so friendly nevertheless their moving. Unfortunately we weren't able to work with Rita's horses because we just… read more
17 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (justtheone23)
We had Niccie house sitting and pet sitting for a week, everything went well, she is respectful low key and responsible,
we would have her again anytime!
Thank you!
Rita
we would have her again anytime!
Thank you!
Rita
(Excellent)
