I recently got a little lot of saddles and the deal was for me to clean them up and market them and I could keep one for myself. The saddle I’m keeping is an Orthoflex. I don’t know the model name, didn’t see a model number anywhere to find out- the little nametag is on the front left part of the skirt. But no #. I had a cheapy Hilason treeless that my daughter bought me and I LOVED riding in it, it didn’t move once I was in the saddle-but mounting from the ground was a big no-no, it slid all over. I need to be able to mount from the ground, I ride with my daughter alot and am not comfortable knowing I can’t get on and off easily , at will, if needed. I’m hoping to try this Orthoflex this weekend and see if it fits my Walker. My question is, if I use a regular girth I already have (I have a SmartCinch, I have string girths and a I have neoprene girths) along with a felt or wool pad, will it make that big of a difference not having a Skito or special girth? I don’t want to buy them if the saddle is still not going to work, but will I be able to tell by using the trimmings I already have? Such as, if it slips a little but not as bad when I try it, will the correct pad and girth make that much of a difference that it won’t slip at all? Am I going to be able to make any sort of judgement other than if it absolutely doesn’t fit at all?
Anyone know what model this might be? I reallllllly hope it fits and works out, it was super comfy to sit in and it’s in incredible shape-broke in but not a scuff or thing wrong with it! The pic was at dusk so not the best…
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b277/kasjordan/IMG01853-20130214-1749_zps584afacf.jpg
I have not had personal experience with Orthoflex saddles so I am not of much help. You might try asking your questions on Ridecamp at endurance.net. I will say that I don’t think a Skito pad would be necessary – I think “booties” are often used with Orthoflex saddles. “Booties” just cover the panels of the saddle and I think that they are sometimes the only “pad” used. So, i don’t see why you couldn’t use a regular pad – I would just not use a really thick one.
Congrats on your find! I recently acquired a “lot” of english tack that I have been reselling. Too bad I only ride western now. 
The saddle looks like an early 90s model called The Traditional. I think they renamed it the Trail Partner around 2000.
It is fine to use whatever pads and cinches you already have, although if you have a front to back balance problem it will be harder to work through with a flat pad. This particular saddle was made to be used without booties, as the panels are “finished”.
If the saddle has had very little riding, it might slip a little during mounting, more use usually rectifies this problem. Make sure the screws holding the panels to the tree are secure before you use it.
Good luck!
I threw it on him with a felt pad and a neoprene girth. My doofus of a horse played too hard and took a spill in the mud this weekend. He torqued something and was sort of gimpy, so I didn’t try mounting from the ground yet. I did hop on from a stump and get to sit in it though, super comfy 
It seemed pretty secure with the little bit I messed with it and it looks like it fits well!
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b277/kasjordan/IMG01856-20130216-0934_zpsa67e1d77.jpg
I threw it on him with a felt pad and a neoprene girth. My doofus of a horse played too hard and took a spill in the mud this weekend. He torqued something and was sort of gimpy, so I didn’t try mounting from the ground yet. I did hop on from a stump and get to sit in it though, super comfy It seemed pretty secure with the little bit I messed with it and it looks like it fits well!
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b277/kasjordan/IMG01856-20130216-0934_zpsa67e1d77.jpg
It looks good…I don’t think you need a different pad, should be good to go just the way it sits.
