Our Staff

Hicham Benabbad - Facilities Manager

Hicham established his extensive riding career at the young age of eight. Growing up in Morocco, he developed as a junior rider, receiving advanced rider diplomas and competing all over the country. Hicham trained at the esteemed Royal Club Equestre Dar Es Salam, an equestrian center founded by King Hassan II in 1971, and home to many national and international competitions – including the prestigious Morocco Royal Tower and the championships of Morocco. While competing, he received numerous awards, progressing through the divisions.

In 1998, at the request of Escuela de Arte Ecuestre Costa del Sol in Estepona Spain, one of the most renowned equestrian centers in Spain, he joined them as their Facilities Manager. Hicham remained at this establishment, overseeing the care and organization of a 160 horse operation, specializing in show jumping and international competitions. He was then honored with the privilege of overseeing the logistics and horse care for the Moroccan show jumping team whenever they visited for competitions in Spain. In addition to his manager duties, Hicham also maintained his skills as a jumping instructor, developing riders from youth through adults. In 2010, he was recruited as Facilities Manager and Head Instructor at a riding academy in the United States. There he was responsible for the care of both privately owned and schooling horses, as well as training, sales, and client relations. In 2015, he was invited to be a part of the Skye Acres team as Facilities Manager. He brings his numerous years of diverse experience in equine management and training to maintain the highest level of horse care at Skye Acres Equestrian Center.

Marty deLeyer - Guest Trainer

Marty deLeyer is a lifelong horseman born into a riding family. He is the son of the late Harry deLeyer, the renowned trainer of the famous show jumper Snowman. 

Marty’s riding career started at the young age of 6 and continues to this day. Throughout his career, he has earned many prestigious awards across multiple disciplines, from Pony Hunters to the Grand Prix level. He has earned countless championships and Derby ribbons over the years. Marty has also trained numerous students who have gone on to compete in and qualify for finals in hunters, jumpers, and equitation.

Currently, Marty holds his USEF “R” judging license for hunter, equitation, and jumper events, allowing him to further contribute to the sport. 

As a trainer, his training philosophy centers around building deep trust and patience between horse and rider. Drawing from a lifetime of top-tier show ring experience, Marty translates his knowledge into practical, foundational steps for amateur and junior riders alike. His goal is to help students of all levels develop a strong foundation and the skills necessary to prepare both themselves and their horses for success in the show ring.

Raul A. De Leon - Guest Instructor

Honored by the American Riding Instructors Association with the title of Master Instructor, Raul is an internationally acclaimed clinician in Equitation, Dressage and Jumping. He has been sponsored to train students and Instructors by the FEI, the IOC and the National Equestrian Federations in seven countries. Director for six years of the International Equestrian Institute at Morven Park. Recipient of the ARIA International Instructor of the Year award. His students and horses appear as demonstrators in Bert de Nemethy's video series. He has trained riders in the US and abroad to win national and international awards in Equitation, Jumping, Dressage and Eventing, including Individual Gold Medals in the Olympic, Pan American and Central American Games. His students have won four USDF Regional Dressage Championships in Region 8. Raul is available for lessons from the beginner to the professional levels on Long Island as well as for clinics, lectures and Instructor training.

Helen Vitarelli Garramone - Instructor

Helen began riding when she was 10 years old. Through her teenage years, she competed in notable Equitation and Hunter shows across Long Island such as the Hampton Classic. After her many years of riding, Helen enjoys sharing her experience and skills to teach aspiring riders the fundamentals of Equitation and Horsemanship at Skye Acres.

Helen and her daughter, Alexis have been riding at Skye Acres since 2017. Alexis joined our IEA Skye acres team for the 2017-2018 season, and was awarded numerous 1st and 2nd place ribbons through the series of shows.

Vinjenna Lafata - Instructor

Vinjenna is an accomplished rider specializing in Jumpers. A former student of Facilities Manager, Hicham Benabbad, she was also a member of the varsity equestrian team at the Cazenovia College in New York, and has years of instructional experience. Vinjenna brings a lot of talent and expertise to her duties which include teaching students, training horses, and organizing equestrian day camps. In addition, Vinjenna keeps her two horses, Missy and Develina, at Skye Acres.