Paints for Hunter?

I've been horse searching for a while now, and kind of lucked into finding a paint sport horse for sale offered to me for 20k (he was appraised at 30k) from the person we bought our mare from (he isn't on the market now). She is absolutely firm on the price. He is well seasoned hunter, has fantastic ground manners, and has been getting basic dressage training for three months. However I'm worried because he is a pretty loud paint and the hunter world isn't exactly accepting of color. I want to do A and B show, but I know that some judges are bias against paints...

I just want to see what people think of paints in the hunter world.

I like paints! Most of the paints that show in the hunter ring here (northern ca) do not fair very well with the judges. The judges tend to favor traditional colors, however I have been to a couple A shows in the last year where paints have placed well. I'd say go for it. If he fits you well and you can work great as a team then that should overshadow his coloring.

I don't see a lot of paints, but I don't think there's a major problem with it, either. Some judges discriminate, but some don't. It all depends where you show I guess.

A lot of it depends on the judges but paints are getting more and more common in the hunter world, I think anyways. I actually show a fairly flashy dark bay and white tobiano in the hunters and jumpers and we've done really well. Reactions are varied though. :) This year we've won a couple of champions/reserves and even won the undersaddle at the last big AA show. Although I do have to say that I'm not sure if we deserved it. (there were some REALLY fancy horses) But the last schooling show we didn't place in the undersaddle at all and just a few mediocre ribbons over fences. How loud are we talking about?

Down here in southern california, paints are not accepted in the hunter shows. I've seen a few be flawless, yet the judges wont even place them. Its up to you though.

I've seen the same thing which is why I'm a little wary, it shouldn't matter, but it does... Paints use to be in, but they kind of fell out of favor.

He is 50/50.

I'd love to see pics!

There was a gorgeous paint in the horse show I went to this weekend. I don't think he was discrimminated against, but his pattern was very sparse, only a bit on his neck, butt and tail.

I'd say go for it though. I love paints!!

I'd love to see pictures of paints doing hunter! It'd be so cool!

I don't want to post the pictures they sent because they aren't on a public site and I don't have permission.

He is very cute though.