That horsy man leaping about on board! (6)

I believe the answer is:

knight

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'board' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for knight that I've seen before include "Heroic champion" , "Old freelance" , "rider looking for adventure?" , "eg Elton John" , "... for example, Tippett" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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