Rider provides cover for US soldier around animals (4)
I believe the answer is:
pigs
'animals' is the definition.
The answer is an example.
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pigs that I've seen before include "earthenware crocks" , "Boars and sows" , "Swine" , "Farm animals" .)