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Staff, English, love equestrian event (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rodeo

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'equestrian event' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'staff english love' is the wordplay.
'staff' becomes 'rod' (both can mean a stick or cane).
'english' becomes 'e' (abbreviation).
'love' becomes 'o' (love means zero in tennis).
'rod'+'e'+'o'='RODEO'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rodeo that I've seen before include "off, sometimes" , "Cowboy event" , "At which cowboys show their skills" , "Wild West show" , "skilful exhibition?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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