06/09/2026
The St. Margaret’s Episcopal School equestrian team capped off an exceptional 2025-2026 season by capturing the Orange County Interscholastic Equestrian League (OCIEL) Overall School Championship for the second consecutive year. After earning the first Overall School Championship in program history during the 2024-2025 season, the Tartans successfully defended their title against a field of 37 schools from across Southern California.
The Tartans secured the league title through strong performances across multiple divisions and age groups, demonstrating the depth and strength of a program that includes riders from Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School.
“I am so proud of our Tartan athletes for the hard work, dedication, and grit they have shown throughout the season,” said Tartan equestrian team coordinator Abby Illenberger. “This team accomplished something special this year, and it has been incredibly rewarding to watch our riders support one another while competing at such a high level.”
The celebration also marked a special farewell to senior Bella Coveyou, whose leadership and success have helped shape the Tartan Equestrian program during her four years at St. Margaret’s. Bella concluded her Tartan Equestrian career by capturing the Varsity Jumpers Championship and helping lead the Tartans to back-to-back OCIEL Overall School Championships. This fall, she will attend Harvey Mudd College to study engineering and plans to continue competing as a member of the Claremont Colleges Equestrian Team.
The Tartans’ exceptional year included:
* Overall School Champion for the second consecutive OCIEL season
* Freshman School Division Champion
* Beginner School Division Reserve Champion
* Team Captain Bella Coveyou named Varsity Jumpers Champion
* Team Co-Captain Charlotte Coveyou named Junior Varsity Jumpers Reserve Champion
* Mia Zadjmool named Freshman Equitation Reserve Champion
* Eleanora Dornin named Freshman Jumpers Reserve Champion
