Icelandic saddles vs Dressage saddles?

[Billyboo]

Hi all,
Just wondering what the difference was between an Icelandic saddle and dressage saddle apart from the difference in seat deepness. Aren't they just flat seated dressage saddles? Could they pass as a show saddle? I have heard something about them seating the rider further back and positioning them on the weak part of the horse back? Is this true? I'm currently in the market for a new saddle, and came across the Icelandic saddles. Just wanting to know if anyone with more saddle experience could point out the difference!!!

 

[VioletStripe]

I've ridden in them a couple of times in Iceland!

Not sure re the positioning, but they're definitely designed towards their Icelandic Horses, which have a very different proportion and different gaits to our horses over here. So, the position and proportion of the saddle is probably different in that respect? Also sizing might be an issue - as the horses are really ponies
I think they are positioned further back to encourage you to just 'sit', as they don't rise to their horses' gaits there. I think the actual seats are also flatter...

The expensive ones are also made of funny stuff - my Icelandic ex's brother was an avid rider and he told me he had shark (possibly whale??) skin put on his saddle and bridle.

Sorry this is probably a completely unhelpful post, but I will watch with interest!

 

[Gloi]

Some of the Icelandic saddles have adjustable stirrup bars that allow you to change the position you sit in the saddle in order to have different effects on the horse's gaits.