When it comes to breeding excellence in the world of Quarter Horses, few stories are as inspiring and insightful as that of Beth Mallett. A passionate breeder with a sharp eye for pedigrees and an unwavering dedication to creating the perfect cross, Beth has built her program around the idea that success lies in the unpredictable magic of genetics. Her journey as a breeder, spanning a decade, has led to remarkable accomplishments, including the rise of standout stallion, Straight Up Dirty, that comes from her breeding program, and prized mare, Indy.
A Passion for Breeding & the Genesis of a Program
Beth’s love for breeding horses is rooted in the thrill of the unknown. As she explains, “It’s all an educated guess. You’re trying to improve both your mare and the stallion you choose to cross with her.” This fascination with blending bloodlines and traits is what ignited her journey in 2014. Starting with a mare who was a granddaughter of Zippo Jack Bar, Beth began her breeder’s journey with high hopes. Though her initial mare didn’t conceive, Beth’s determination didn’t falter. She added another mare, a daughter of Invitation Only, and began the process of shaping her program.
Over the years, Beth has refined her approach, prioritizing form, function, and temperament in the horses she breeds. Her philosophy is simple yet profound: “I always think in terms of trying to create a better animal than it’s parents.” This commitment to improvement has been the cornerstone of her success.
The Mare Who Changed Everything: Indy
In 2016, Beth acquired Another Certain Vino, affectionately known as Indy. A full sister to the legendary A Certain Vino, Indy brought unparalleled potential to Beth’s program. Her lineage is steeped in excellence, tracing back to the blue hen mare Dotevita, whose offspring have earned over $570,000. Beth describes Indy as “a 16-hand, black beauty with great bone, a strong uphill build, and the sweetest personality.” Indy’s six foals, sired by notable stallions like The Lopin Machine, Winnies Willy, and The Best Martini, have all carried her exceptional traits into the show pen.
Among Indy’s offspring is Straight Up Dirty, the stallion who has put Beth’s breeding program firmly on the map.
Straight Up Dirty: From Foal to Phenomenon
Born with the “wow factor,” Straight Up Dirty, or Jake as he’s lovingly known, made an impression from day one. Black with striking white markings, including four white socks, Jake’s presence demanded attention, even as a foal. Beth fondly recalls, “He inherited his mama’s soft and slow legs and has always had a wonderful disposition.” From the beginning, it was clear that Jake was destined for greatness, and he has more than lived up to those expectations.
Sired by the renowned stallion The Best Martini and out of Beth’s treasured mare, Another Certain Vino (Indy), Jake combines an exceptional pedigree with a natural talent that has made him a standout competitor. His journey from promising foal to show ring sensation is a testament to Beth’s vision as a breeder and her ability to spot and nurture raw talent.
Jake’s show record speaks volumes about his abilities and versatility. In 2024, he claimed the prestigious title of AQHA Reserve World Champion in the L2 Junior Western Pleasure, Reserve Congress Champion Performance Halter Stallions, Top Ten Congress (9th) NSBA Maturity Open Limited Western Pleasure Stakes, and NSBA Bronze World Champion 25k Maturity Western Pleasure. These achievements were preceded by an extraordinary 2023 season, during which Jake was crowned Top 5 at the NSBA World in 3yo Open Western Pleasure, Bronze Congress Champion in the 3yo Western Pleasure Limited, Congress Top Ten in the L1 Western Pleasure, 10k DAC Futurity Champion at Back to Berrien, and Top 5 at The Madness in the Maiden Futurity. His winning streak also included titles such as 2024 Circuit Champion Junior Western Pleasure at The Madness and 2023 Circuit Champion Junior Western Pleasure at Mid-Summer Madness..
Jake’s ability to dominate on the circuit is matched by his elegance and effortlessness in the ring. Judges and spectators alike have praised his smooth, collected movement and the consistency with which he performs. Whether it’s navigating the nuances of western pleasure or competing against top-tier stallions, Jake’s aptitude and demeanor have positioned him as a force to be reckoned with.
“He's the total package. I’m thrilled to see the next generation of champions that will carry his name."
But for Beth, Jake’s journey is just beginning. While his accomplishments in the show ring are impressive, what excites her most is his potential as a sire. His pedigree, talent, and disposition make him a highly desirable breeding stallion. With several mares already in foal to him, Beth is eagerly awaiting the 2025 foaling season, when Jake’s legacy as a producer will begin to take shape. “He’s the total package,” Beth shares with pride. “I’m thrilled to see the next generation of champions that will carry his name.”
Jake’s rise to prominence is a testament to Beth’s dedication to excellence in her breeding program and her unwavering belief in the magic of genetics. For Beth and the growing community of Jake’s fans, the best is truly yet to come.
The Challenges and Triumphs of Breeding
Like any breeder, Beth has faced her share of challenges. From mares that wouldn’t cycle to the complexities of managing breeding partnerships, she has navigated the ups and downs with resilience. A pivotal moment came when she entrusted her mares to North Farm under the care of Debbi Trubee and Roger Landis. This decision, though logistically challenging, ensured her mares received the best care possible.
Beth’s triumphs, however, far outweigh the obstacles. She has bred an NSBA World Champion, This Dollys Rockin, and even rescued a horse she bred, Over BN Lazy, who went on to become an APHA Reserve World Champion. These achievements are a source of immense pride for Beth, who cherishes every horse she has bred and the joy they bring to their owners.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Beth’s Breeding Program
As Beth looks to the future, her goals remain clear: to keep building better horses and to see her foals thrive in the show pen. She’s particularly excited about Indy’s younger foals, including a filly she believes might be the best of the cross with The Best Martini yet.
Beth also recognizes the need for thoughtful breeding practices in an era of advanced reproductive technologies. While innovations like embryo transfers and frozen semen have revolutionized the industry, she cautions against shrinking the gene pool, emphasizing the importance of preserving diversity in bloodlines.
A Breeder’s Legacy
Beth’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her breeding program, though modest in size, has had an outsized impact on the industry. With Straight Up Dirty poised to make his mark as a sire and Indy continuing to produce exceptional foals, Beth’s influence as a breeder is only just beginning.
“I feel blessed to be in touch with almost all of my foals’ current owners. Their updates and successes mean the world to me."
As she reflects on her journey, Beth is quick to express gratitude for the support she’s received and the connections she’s made. “I feel blessed to be in touch with almost all of my foals’ current owners,” she says. “Their updates and successes mean the world to me.”
For Beth, breeding horses is more than a career—it’s a calling. And with her dedication and vision, the future of her program is undoubtedly bright.
Here at StallionCompare.com, we'll forever be watching and waiting to see what's new for Beth, her program, and Jake. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey! Be sure to check out Jake's page on our platform, here.
Want to learn more about Straight Up Dirty? Reach out to his owners Jen Smith & Seth Dawson on his Facebook page, or if you're looking to breed to him – reach out to Richland Ranch – you can also shoot us a quick note to our email at hi@stallioncompare.com.
Natashya V.
Founder, StallionCompare.com | Creative Director
Natashya, the founder of StallionCompare.com, is a dynamic force in both the equine and creative industries. As a lifelong equestrian, Natashya’s journey with horses began with Quarter Horses in her hometown in British Columbia, Canada. During her college years she took a brief (and eye opening) hiatus from Quarter Horses to work in the Thoroughbred industry – returning to the AQHA circuit as a young adult. Natashya was also able to reconnect with the quarter horse industry through design. She worked with former owners of Pleasurehorse.com and Show Horse Today on their design needs prior to Robyn Duplisea purchasing the business. Natashya also worked at Horse Canada (HPG) as the Creative Director for many monthly, quarterly, and annual equine magazines. Her passion (read: obsession) for breeding, genetics, and equine pedigrees ran ever-increasingly deep, which lead her to create StallionCompare.com.
Beyond her equine pursuits, Natashya is the Creative Director & Co-Founder of a leading design agency known for its boutique, customer-focused approach. With her expertise, she blends creativity and technology to make a lasting impact in both horse breeding and design.
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