SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Historic Blakeley State Park will host its second American Competitive Trail Horse Association beginning Oct. 8.

The two-day competition includes six miles of competitive trails and six obstacles.

Local affiliates Patti Baker and Toni Christopher will oversee the Saturday and Sunday rides respectively.

Christopher said the rides typically attract as many as 25 riders, competing for more than $1,200 in prizes. Blakeley’s rides are among 1,000 planned across the country during the 2010-11 riding season.

Christopher said she personally rode the trails in the 2,000-acre Spanish Fort park, and knew the site would be perfect for a regional ride, attracting participants from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida.

“I loved the Blakeley trails … and I’m hoping they’ll expand their horse program,” she said.

Park director Jo Ann Flirt said she has been working closely with both Baker and Christopher for months to bring the event to fruition.

“Toni and Patti have worked hard to make this an exciting and challenging weekend, and we are glad to have the competition take place in Blakeley’s beautiful woods,” Flirt said.

The Blakeley event has adopted a “Red, White and Blue” theme in celebration of the great American trail horse.

Although the competition is open only to association riders, membership applications will be available. Fees for the trail ride competition are set by the association and are paid to that organization. Blakeley’s fees are regular admission and camping rates.

On-site registration begins Oct. 8. Riders may also register in advance and obtain the full schedule and other information at www.actha.us or by contacting tonisponies@aol.com or mobstebak@aol.com.