Horses competing at the equestrian events in Tokyo are apparently 'spooked out' by a massive sumo wrestler statue - and, well, you can sort of understand why.
This imposing figure can be seen looking rather intimidating while leaning over the number 10 obstacle on the official Olympics course.
The life-size wrestler is donning traditional loincloth-style garments and is posing like he's ready to engage with his arms spread out.
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It's a pretty impressive statue, but probably one that should be well away from a bunch of skittish horses.
"As you come around, you see a big guy's [bum]," British rider Harry Charles said.
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"I did notice four or five horses really taking a spook to that."
Israel Teddy Vlock echoed Charles' comments.
"It is very realistic. It does look like a person, and that's a little spooky," he said.
"You know, horses don't want to see a guy, like, looking intense next to a jump, looking like he's ready to fight you."
While some competitors managed to keep their horses focused on the task at hand, others didn't have the same success.
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France's Penelope Leprevost, who is an Olympic gold medallist from Rio 2016, seemed to have some trouble with the jump after her 12-year-old horse appeared distracted.
Speaking after the event, Leprevost said: "Maybe [the horse was startled]. We tried to relax our horses in the turn, and maybe they're surprised to see a vertical so close. I don't know."
Some riders weren't too fond of the short run up for the jump, while others pointed fingers at the lights within the arena.
Either way, the course in Tokyo was clearly causing some trouble for the Olympians and there was one bloke suspiciously watching over as all the drama unfolded - the sumo wrestler himself.
Featured Image Credit: Olympics/Ch7Topics: olympics, Tokyo Olympics, Australia
