Australian Dressage Committee Statement

The Australian Dressage Committee (ADC) wishes to reiterate that welfare of the horse is paramount in all that it does, whether developing rules for the sport or in training of its dressage stewards and judges – an active on-going program.  
Nosebands that are too tightly fitted, regardless of type are never acceptable.

The International standard for the testing of the fitting of nosebands is the two finger test. The Equestrian Australia Dressage Rulebook clearly illustrates this test. Its implementation is part of the education process for stewards and judges. At the request of a steward or judge a rider must loosen the noseband.

A noseband that is too tight will adversely affect the harmony of the horse's performance in a dressage test and the results will be reflected in the judges scoring of that test.

Source: Press Release Equestrian Australia