Peggy McElveen, director of the St. Andrews equestrian program and show manager for this weekend's national intercollegiate championships at the college, seems cool under pressure. It is only through verbal clues that one learns how very busy she is in preparation for the four day event, which consists of a Thursday-Friday practice session prior to two days of competition.

"Duke is not here yet," she told her friend Shelley French while stopping by the practice area of the Sweet Briar College team Thursday morning. "William and Mary will be here later, and M.I.T. will be arriving at the center late tonight. I guess I'll let them in wearing my pajamas," she said, laughing.

Ten colleges and universities will enter teams seeking the 2009 national championship of the American National Riding Commission this weekend, with the Savannah College of Art and Design from Savannah, Ga., defending its 2008 title. Savannah College has captured the Betty Belser Memorial Trophy four times, including three of the past four years. In 2007, the team from St. Andrews won the national title.

"We are thrilled that the American National Riding Commission has chosen to return to St. Andrews for their national championship," McElveen said. "St. Andrews has hosted this national championship previously and has a wonderful facility for this multi-faceted competition."

The championship has been previously held at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., and at Centenary College in New Jersey.

Competition consists of three riding phases judged on correct riding style, plus a written test covering riding theory and stable management. Two or three riders from each college will compete as a team.

"Riders are judged on hunter seat equitation," McElveen said. "This encompasses the harmony of horse and rider, the 'design of position', or how the rider sits on the horse, their balance in motion, and the ability of the rider to use their aids, which includes weight, reins, and legs."

In addition to St. Andrews and the Savannah College of Art and Design, competing colleges and universities include M.I.T., Duke, the College of William and Mary, Centenary College, Goucher College, Otterbein College, the University of the South, and Sweet Briar College.

On Friday, teams will conduct "schooling" sessions, practice times during which horses and riders become familiar with the course.

"For some of the teams from up north, this will be their first opportunity this year to ride outdoors," McElveen said. "Schooling is a relatively relaxed, casual time for the teams, and a good time for the spectator to come watch the horses and riders in action."

The written phase of the competition will be held Friday evening, and the competition begins Saturday at 8 a.m. when the riders begin a memorized flat phase competition that includes many of the United States Equestrian Federation hunter seat tests.

"This is a set of different proscribed movements in a 10 minute period, in which riders will be judged on their movements," McElveen said.

On Sunday morning, riders will compete on an outdoor hunter trials course with three-foot heights and then move to a three-foot hunter seat equitation medal course in the ring during the afternoon. An awards ceremony will be held 15 minutes after the final rider completes the medal course phase.

"We invite the public to come enjoy this weekend event at the center," McElveen said. "Even if you don't know equestrian sports, we hope you will join us for this exciting competition."

There is no admission charge for the event.

The St. Andrews Equestrian Center, located at 9167 Hasty Road outside of Laurinburg, has one indoor arena, two covered arenas, five outdoor show and teaching arenas, and two hunter trials courses with a bank, ditch, and many permanent jumps.

The 2009 National Championship is dedicated to the memory of Jon Conyers, an alumnus of St. Andrews Presbyterian College, an ANRC Board member, and a highly regarded equine professional and educator.