Crossword Genius

Played around on horseback, braced (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

supported

'braced' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'played around on horseback' is the wordplay.
'played' becomes 'sported' (sporting is a kind of playing).
'around' is an insertion indicator.
'on horseback' becomes 'up' (up can mean up on a horse).
'sported' placed around 'up' is 'SUPPORTED'.

(Other definitions for supported that I've seen before include "Bolstered, sustained" , "cared for" , "Took sides with" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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