Crossword Genius

Where you'll find the cowboys handled the horses near the ring (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rodeo

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'where you'll find the cowboys handled' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'horses near the ring' is the wordplay.
'horses near' becomes 'rode' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'the ring' becomes 'o' (letter resembling a ring).
'rode'+'o'='RODEO'

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rodeo that I've seen before include "Annually" , "stock venue?" , "sort of exhibition" , "Cowboy show" , "Cowboys' riding contest" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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