When you ride a young colt see your saddle be well girt.

A young horse may move unexpectedly, so a rider should check the saddle before setting out. The advice begins with a practical safeguard against a foreseeable risk.

More broadly, the proverb urges preparation when a task or situation may be hard to control. The less certain the outcome, the more important it is to put basic protections in place first.

Use it to advise someone to check their preparations before taking on a venture with uncertain behavior or results. It emphasizes sensible precautions rather than avoiding the venture altogether.