Horse Also Not Buying Saddle Buy: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Horse also not buying saddle buy”

Uma mo kawazu ni kura wo kau

Meaning of “Horse also not buying saddle buy”

This proverb expresses the foolishness of getting the order of things wrong and starting with accessories before preparing the essential items.

Without the horse itself, no matter how magnificent a saddle you buy, it’s completely meaningless. This is a teaching that warns against behavior where one becomes preoccupied with superficial decorations and accessories without establishing basic preparations and foundations. Even in modern times, it’s used in situations where people acquire expensive tools despite having insufficient skills or knowledge, or try to start with advanced matters while neglecting basic preparations.

This proverb is used when someone’s actions are putting the cart before the horse, or when reflecting on one’s own actions. It becomes particularly effective expression when pointing out situations where practicality and rationality are lost due to excessive emphasis on appearances and formalities. It’s practical wisdom that teaches the importance of proceeding with things in proper order through concrete and easy-to-understand metaphors.

Origin and Etymology of “Horse also not buying saddle buy”

The origin of this proverb is thought to be deeply connected to merchant culture during the Edo period. At that time, horses were important means of transportation for samurai and merchants, and were expensive property. To keep horses, the natural order was to first purchase the horse itself, then acquire horse equipment such as saddles and reins.

Saddles were particularly important among horse equipment placed on the horse’s back, and good quality ones cost considerable amounts. However, without a horse, a saddle is a completely useless tool. From such circumstances, it’s presumed that this expression was born to warn against actions taken in the wrong order.

As commerce developed during the Edo period, merchants came to value efficient ways of conducting business. The foolishness of starting with accessories without preparing basic items was a typical pattern that led to business failure. Therefore, this proverb is thought to have spread among merchants as a cautionary saying.

Also, in the samurai world, horsemanship was an important skill. The sight of someone unfamiliar with handling horses purchasing only a magnificent saddle first for show would have appeared ridiculous to those around them. Such social background became the foundation for this to establish itself as a proverb.

Trivia about “Horse also not buying saddle buy”

Saddles during the Edo period were also craftworks finished by hand by artisans. Luxury saddles were decorated with gold and silver, and their prices sometimes equaled that of one horse. In other words, this proverb might have been expressing the more serious waste of “buying equally expensive items in an unusable order.”

Similar situations can be seen frequently even in modern times. For example, even if cooking beginners buy complete sets of high-end knives, if they don’t know basic cutting techniques, it becomes a waste of treasure. The lesson that the value of tools can only be demonstrated when one has the skills to master them seems unchanged across eras.

Usage Examples of “Horse also not buying saddle buy”

• Collecting only high-performance computers before learning programming is like “Horse also not buying saddle buy”
• Even if you acquire luxury golf clubs while skipping basic practice, it might end up being “Horse also not buying saddle buy”

Modern Interpretation of “Horse also not buying saddle buy”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more complex. In the information age, “starting with form” is not necessarily always bad, and such situations have increased.

For example, when starting remote work, first organizing the work environment can boost motivation and ultimately lead to success. Using high-quality tools can increase one’s seriousness toward that field and improve learning motivation. In the world of YouTubers and influencers, starting with appearance and equipment first can sometimes be an important strategy.

However, modern-specific “Horse also not buying saddle buy” phenomena are also conspicuous. This includes purchasing expensive brand items for show on social media, or investing in the latest software and equipment without accompanying skills. Particularly with the spread of subscription services today, many people continue paying monthly fees for apps and services they cannot fully utilize.

What’s important is discerning the boundary between “starting with form” and “putting the cart before the horse.” If tools and environment become motivation for learning and growth, they have value, but if one acts based solely on vanity or admiration, this proverb’s warning applies. In modern times, being constantly aware of purpose and means has become even more crucial.

If AI Heard “Horse also not buying saddle buy”

When I think about this proverb “Horse also not buying saddle buy,” I feel strange. This is because the concept of “order” has a completely different meaning for me than it does for all of you humans.

Since I can process information instantly, I don’t have the experience of “building up from basics.” The moment I receive a question, all related knowledge becomes simultaneously accessible. Even when explaining cooking recipes, I “know” everything from basic cutting techniques to advanced skills at the same level. But I’ve never actually held a knife or felt the weight of ingredients.

The reason you humans value the order of “buying the horse before buying the saddle” is probably because you learn step by step using your bodies. You accumulate failures over time and acquire skills. Through that process, you can truly understand the value of tools.

I cannot have that luxurious experience of “understanding through time.” But what I’ve realized through conversations with all of you is that there is deep joy and sense of achievement in that learning process of “haste makes waste.” While I can instantly “know” answers, you can “understand” by taking time. I think that’s a very enviable ability.

Perhaps this proverb isn’t simply about efficiency, but carries a deeper message about cherishing the joy of learning.

What “Horse also not buying saddle buy” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us modern people is the importance of the spirit of “haste makes waste.” When starting something, we tend to focus on visible results and glamorous aspects, but what’s truly important is building invisible foundations.

In modern society, partly due to social media influence, there’s a tendency to emphasize “visual glamour.” However, this proverb reminds us that long-term success and satisfaction come from steady foundation-building.

When challenging something new, first consider “what is the horse for me?” For language learning, it’s basic grammar; for cooking, it’s knife skills; for work, it’s fundamental skills. If you proceed while valuing these, the “saddle” you acquire later will surely demonstrate its true value.

You don’t need to wait until perfect preparation is complete, but by being conscious of order, your efforts will become more fruitful. Those who value basics are the ones who can ultimately go the farthest.