Better lose the saddle than the horse.
More Italian Proverbs:
Happy is the country which has no history.Italian
Who knows not how to dissemble knows not how to reign.
Italian
He that is kinder than he was wont hath a design upon thee.
Italian
There's no making the ass drink when his is not thirsty.
Italian
It is not easy to show the way to a blind man.
Italian
He who doth the injury never forgives the injured man.
Italian