Bella Hadid has always kept her personal life relatively private, but her relationship with professional equestrian Adan Banuelos gave fans a rare glimpse into a quieter, more grounded chapter of her life. After more than two years together, the couple quietly went their separate ways in January 2026.
So who is Adan Banuelos, the cowboy who captured the supermodel’s heart? Let’s take a closer look at his career, how the two met, and what led to their split.
Who is Adan Banuelos?
Adan Banuelos is a highly respected professional equestrian based in Fort Worth, Texas. He specializes in cutting horse competitions, a demanding sport that requires precision, athleticism, and deep trust between rider and horse.
Horses run in Banuelos’ blood. He is the son of Ascencion Banuelos, a legendary figure in the equestrian world and the first Mexican-American inducted into the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Hall of Fame. Following in his father’s footsteps, Adan built an impressive career of his own and was inducted into the NCHA Riders Hall of Fame at just 28 years old.
Over the years, Banuelos has earned millions in prize money and is considered one of the top riders and trainers in the sport.
How Bella Hadid and Adan Banuelos Met
Bella Hadid met Adan Banuelos in October 2023 at a horse show in Texas, shortly after she relocated there. At the time, Hadid was stepping away from the intense fashion spotlight and reconnecting with her lifelong love of horses.
In a May 2025 interview with British Vogue, Hadid recalled their first encounter fondly. She said she noticed Banuelos as soon as he walked into the exhibit hall while she was getting a cowboy hat fitted.
“I saw him walk in and it was like a gust of fresh air,” she said, adding that Banuelos had no idea who she was at first — something she found refreshing and genuine.
Their Relationship Timeline
The couple was first spotted together in October 2023 and made their relationship Instagram official on Valentine’s Day 2024. Hadid shared a romantic photo of Banuelos on horseback and captioned it, “My valentine .”
From that point on, the two regularly supported each other’s passions. Hadid was often seen cheering Banuelos on at rodeo events, while Banuelos proudly celebrated Hadid’s own accomplishments in the equestrian world.
Interestingly, Banuelos also served as Hadid’s riding coach, guiding her through competitions and helping her earn major titles. In 2024, Hadid was named the NCHA Limited Age Event Rookie of the Year, a milestone Banuelos publicly celebrated.
During their relationship, Hadid reportedly purchased property in Texas, embracing a ranch-style lifestyle and spending much of her time away from the fashion capitals of the world.
Why Bella Hadid and Adan Banuelos Broke Up
In January 2026, sources confirmed that Bella Hadid and Adan Banuelos ended their relationship after more than two years together. The breakup was described as quiet and respectful.
Insiders said Bella has been focusing on work and spending time with close friends as she processes the end of the relationship. Neither Bella Hadid nor Adan Banuelos has publicly commented on the split.
Shortly after their breakup, Banuelos was reportedly arrested in Texas for public intoxication and later released the same day on bond. No further details have been shared.
