Crossword Genius

Need this lad be riding? (2,3,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

in the saddle

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'riding?' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't tell whether this works.

'need this lad' is the wordplay.
'need this lad' anagrams to 'IN THE SADDLE'.
However, I am unsure how this is indicated.

'be' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for in the saddle that I've seen before include "Exercising control" , "as a Mountie?" , "On horseback (and in control!)" , "Rider's position" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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