Don’t be surprised if you feel a sense of déjà vu watching Tom Dvorak in the show ring with Viva’s Salinjo W, known affectionately as Mittens. The tall, flashy chestnut gelding bears a striking resemblance to his full brother Viva’s Salieri W (aka Socks), Tom’s silver medal-winning 2011 Pan Am Games partner. Tragically, Socks passed away at the peak of his career, leaving some very big footprints for Mittens to fill. But while he may look like his older brother and shares his willingness and work ethic, Mittens has a unique personality that’s all his own.
Show name: Viva’s Salinjo W
Barn name: Mittens
Year of birth: 2008
Height: 17 h.
Breed: Hanoverian (by Viva Voltaire out of Solinja)
Breeder: Augustin Walch, W Charlot Farm, Stratford, ON
Career highlights: Tom and Viva’s Salinjo W had multiple victories at Prix St-Georges and Intermediare I in national Gold shows in 2019, with scores as high as 72.79. The pair made their CDI debut last year at the renowned Dressage at Devon in Pennsylvania.
How long have you been paired with Mittens?
He came to us when he was about five and pretty green. He was very spooky and not everybody’s ride.
What was your initial impression of him?
My first impression was he was very insecure and very reactive but a lovely horse with a sweet temperament when he wasn’t terrified. We spent a long time just getting him more confident. After his brother Socks died I had a difficult time and had a hard time spending time with Mittens. I compared him too much to Socks, I think. Once I was in a better space and began to see Mittens as Mittens I recognized he was a pretty nice horse.
Describe his personality in one word
Weird.
Why does that word suit him?
He’s weird because of his over-the-top “stranger danger” reactions to so many things when, on the other hand, he is so sweet and affectionate to his people.
What is his greatest strength?
His high energy and the fact he’s such an over-achiever.
What is his biggest challenge?
His high energy and being an over-achiever!
What is his funniest habit?
Mittens has a scissor kick he demonstrates when he is first turned out.
What is his favourite treat?
My granola bar.
At the Caledon Dressage show.
Is there anything he hates or is afraid of?
The list of things he is not afraid of is much shorter!
If Mittens were a human celebrity, who would he be?
Johnny Depp as Edward Scissorhands.
Is Mittens similar to his full brother, Socks?
Both are chestnut geldings with white legs. They have totally different body types but in the mind are very similar: sensitive, willing, energetic, good work ethic and very affectionate.
What is your funniest moment with him so far?
Our working student was riding him in the arena and as she rode by the viewing area, the velcro on a glove sitting on the ledge got attached to the end of her whip. Mittens wasn’t the only one terrified. It was funny once he finally stopped running!
If he wasn’t a dressage horse, what would Mittens’ dream occupation be?
He’d definitely want to be a companion pet to someone who likes “weird.”
How did the pandemic affect your showing / training plans for him?
My original goal was to show Mittens in CDIs at Small Tour this year, but without the competitions we have taken the opportunity to focus on training the Grand Prix movements. It’s coming along really well, so maybe national Grand Prix next year? He is just coming into himself and he hasn’t competed too much, so at the moment I’m just enjoying having him.
