Crossword Genius

String runs through pipes (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

horses

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

'string runs through pipes' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'runs through pipes' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'runs' could be 'r' (cricket abbreviation) and 'r' is found within the answer.
'pipes' could be 'hoses' (I've seen this before) and 'hoses' is found in the remaining letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for horses that I've seen before include "Eg, stallions" , "Steeds" , "Hoofed mammals (which go with 19 4)" , "Equines" , "Equine beasts" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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