There were a lot of competitors in the Bodybuilding Competition, particularly the male division. Some species had more participants than most. For instance, there were a lot of stallions who were looking to show off their muscles. With so many entries of the same species, it was decided a subdivision was needed to thin out the number of competitors who'll be competing against other species. Thus the first round of the competition would be the 'Best of Breed'. Unlike the later rounds, this one was almost entirely about presentation. The bodybuilders would be showing off their muscles before showing they could use them by lifting a particularly dense weight.
Samson eyed his rivals a little warily. A lot of these stallions were uplifted, mainly from the horse fighting ring that ASPCA rescued them from. Samson could spot Thunder and Red Cloud. The amount of converted stallions here were few, but not unseen. For instance, there was one lawyer who had come to Animalia, almost completely lacking ins self-confidence, self-esteem, and hair on top of his head. Those who knew him before wouldn't be able to recognize the bold stallion he had become.
While there was plenty of competition, Samson believed that he had one edge over the other stallions. Unlike some of them, Samson actually put his muscles to work. He was still a farm horse, even if his position on the farm was a lot different than it had been before. He still worked the fields with diligence. He actually preferred using a plow with his own hands than rely on machinery. That hard farm work and his dedication to his exercise routine certainly showed results. From his muscles.
When the time came for the stallions to walk on stage, Samson felt a little foolish. One by one, they were told to remove their clothes until they were left standing in little more than a thong for modesty. Samson was cautious and took his time to remove his clothes, just as Anton had taught him. This whole clothes removal thing felt ridiculous to him. It made him like they were all strippers. Well, one of them did work at the Meat Market, but that was besides the point.
Once the stallions were almost naked, they started posing to show off their muscles. Samson was certainly not slacking in demonstrating his well-carved muscles. He was not Clydesdale (they were in the next weight class), but there was definitely no denying that he was huge. The crowd was going wild for the performance. Not surprising, most of the audience were women. Even less surprising were the mares who were in the front seats. Some of them just wanted to be close enough ogle at the eye candy before them. And then there were some who were their to support their mates. Samson could easily spot Abby in the front. Calamity and Delilah were also there, cheering their mates with great vigor.
Then came the physical part. Each stallion had to lift their weight above their heads. The weights in this case were barbells, each having the cumulative weight of 350 pounds. It was hardly an easy task for humans, but for horses, they were able to handle it much better. Still, some struggled with their barbells more than others. It was not surprising. Some of the competitors were not as serious about bodybuilding as their rivals. Samson could certainly hold his weight over his head. Almost easily in fact. The crowd certainly seemed to love it.
Eventually, the round came to an end, some competitors more likely than others not to make it to the next round. Not long afterwards, the judges made their decision about the three stallions who'd be determined 'Best of Breed' and move on to the next round. To Samson's great relief, he was one of them. The crowd was certainly applauding this as well. Samson could spot Abby cheering enthusiastically. Samson was rather proud of her for winning the triathlon, which gave him even more determination to get as far up in this competition as he could. He might not win the whole thing, but he was determined to see how far he can go.