Bella Hadid, 27, one of the most prominent supermodels of her generation, is embracing a new chapter in her life. In the wake of her high-profile breakup with art director Marc Kalman, Hadid has been romantically linked to Adan Banuelos, a 33-year-old professional cowboy and horse trainer based in Texas. Banuelos, who has accumulated over $6 million in career earnings, is a celebrated figure in the equestrian world. As the relationship blossoms, Hadid is balancing her glamorous modeling career with an equestrian lifestyle, frequently splitting time between Texas and New York. While the couple doesn’t have children, their shared passion for horses and the outdoors appears to be a foundation for their connection.
A Cowboy at Heart
Adan Banuelos isn’t just a cowboy in name – he’s the real deal. With roots deeply embedded in the equestrian world, Banuelos comes from a lineage of horse trainers. His father, Tiffani Banuelos-Ray, is a hall of famer in the cutting horse industry. Adan followed in his footsteps and made history in 2017, becoming one of the youngest inductees into the National Cutting Horse Association Riders Hall of Fame. His professional accolades are impressive, with Banuelos consistently performing at the top of his field. Known as the “$6 million rider,” he has earned over $5 million in competition earnings throughout his career.
Beyond competing, Banuelos operates as a horse trainer, guiding both horses and riders to success. Bella Hadid has expressed gratitude towards him for training her and her horse, recently crediting him for helping her navigate her first non-pro aged event.
How They Met
The romantic connection between Bella Hadid and Adan Banuelos started organically through a shared love of horses. The two were first publicly linked in October 2023 when paparazzi caught them kissing in Fort Worth, Texas. By early 2024, Hadid made their relationship Instagram-official, sharing glimpses of their bond through subtle posts.
It’s speculated that Hadid met Banuelos while training for her return to equestrian competition. The model grew up riding horses and frequently spends time at her mother Yolanda Hadid’s ranch. Recently, Bella has re-entered the competitive equestrian scene after years away from the sport, dedicating herself to training and competing alongside Banuelos.
A Shared Passion
Their bond is rooted in their mutual love for horses. In January 2024, Hadid competed at an NCHA event with her stallion, Tito. One of the most telling signs of their budding relationship was a photo of the pair holding hands at the competition. A month later, Hadid made it Instagram official on Valentine’s Day with a heartfelt post featuring Banuelos on horseback, captioned, “My Valentine.”
Since then, Banuelos has been a steady presence in Hadid’s life. In May 2024, he was by her side at the launch of her perfume line, Orebella, in New York. The couple was spotted sharing affectionate moments at the event, solidifying their relationship in the public eye.
Life in Texas
Though Hadid splits her time between Los Angeles, New York, and international fashion hubs, reports indicate she has invested in property in Texas, aligning herself with Banuelos’ lifestyle. The couple reportedly owns homes in the same neighborhood, making it easier to balance their lives between professional commitments and personal downtime.
Hadid’s move toward Texas reflects a shift in priorities. She’s opted to spend more time with Banuelos, often skipping major fashion events like Paris Fashion Week to compete in equestrian events. In early 2024, Hadid notably chose to ride in a horse show with her stallion Metallic Tito rather than walk the runway in Paris.
The Future
While it’s still early days, Hadid and Banuelos appear to be building a solid relationship grounded in mutual respect and shared interests. With Hadid’s busy modeling career and Banuelos’ dedication to the rodeo circuit, the couple seamlessly blends their worlds, finding time to support each other publicly and privately.
Their relationship signifies more than just a romance – it reflects Hadid’s growing commitment to her passion for horses and the equestrian community. Time will tell how this relationship evolves, but for now, Hadid is fully embracing her cowgirl era with Banuelos by her side.
