How a statue of a sumo wrestler may be spooking horses in Olympics equestrian jumping, explained

A big guy’s butt is really bothering horses at the Tokyo Olympics.

“A big guy’s butt” is really bothering horses at the Tokyo Olympics. Sort of, anyway.

At least, that’s what some of the riders participating in equestrian events seem to believe. And they may very well be right.

Clearly, there’s been a problem with some of the horses taking to the 14-jump equestrian course at Tokyo’s Olympic games. Something on the course is disturbing the houses. They’re getting spooked on the 10th obstacle on the course.

And what’s right next to that obstacle? A lifesize statue of a sumo wrestler. It’s big. It looks real and, writes the AP’s Jake Seiner, some of the riders believe it’s the main distraction on the course for some of the horses.

Confusing, right? Don’t worry. Here’s a quick explanation.