Better ride on an ass that carries me than a horse that throws me.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

A modest option that reliably serves its purpose may be better than an impressive one that fails you. Choose usefulness and dependability over prestige alone.

What the words are saying

The ass carries the rider, while the horse throws them. The comparison reverses an assumed preference for the more impressive animal by asking what each actually does for this person. Figuratively, an ordinary tool, venue or arrangement may serve better than a prestigious alternative whose practical limitations make it unworkable. The saying does not claim that simple options are always superior or that ambition is foolish. Prestige is merely insufficient evidence of suitability. Compare the actual performance, risks and needs before accepting an admired option that does not reliably carry out the purpose for which it was chosen.

Everyday example

A reading group keeps using a plain room with reliable access instead of moving to an impressive hall whose unpredictable availability repeatedly disrupts meetings.

When to use it

Use it when an impressive option is being preferred despite a simpler alternative working more reliably.

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Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.