Crossword Genius

Rode around the arena giving commands (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ordering

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'giving commands' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with social activities as well as being present participle verbs.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'rode around the arena' is the wordplay.
'around' is an anagram indicator.
'the arena' becomes 'ring' (eg a boxing ring).
'rode' with letters rearranged gives 'orde'.
'orde'+'ring'='ORDERING'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ordering that I've seen before include "Issuing commands" , "Arranging or asking for delivery of goods" , "Giving an instruction" , "Commanding" , "procurement" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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