The high-profile romance between supermodel Bella Hadid and champion equestrian Adan Banuelos has officially ended after more than two years. The breakup, confirmed in January 2026, brings to a close a relationship that captivated fans with its genuine, Texas-fueled story and showcased a new, more grounded chapter for the global superstar.
The world of celebrity relationships is often fleeting, but the romance between Bella Hadid and Adan Banuelos stood out for its authenticity and deep-rooted connection. After more than two years of dating, the couple has officially parted ways, a development confirmed by a source to PEOPLE in January 2026. This news marks the end of a relationship that began in the unlikeliest of places—a Texas horse show—and blossomed into a love story that resonated with fans who saw a different side of the supermodel.
The story of Hadid and Banuelos began in October 2023, when they were first seen together in Fort Worth, Texas. Their meeting was not a product of a glamorous Hollywood party but a chance encounter at a horse show, a detail that set the tone for their entire relationship. Hadid, who had recently relocated to Texas, revealed in a May 2025 interview with British Vogue that it was love at first sight, albeit from her perspective.
“I saw him walk in and it was like a gust of fresh air,” she recalled. Banuelos, for his part, was initially unaware of who she was, telling her, “I never knew who you were until I saw your face for the first time.” This grounded beginning was a stark contrast to the high-profile romances Hadid had been linked to before, making their connection feel refreshingly real to the public.
A Cowboy’s Life: Who is Adan Banuelos?
To understand the dynamic of their relationship, it’s essential to know who Adan Banuelos is far more than just a “cowboy.” He is a professional equestrian of the highest caliber, specializing in the demanding discipline of cutting horses. The sport runs deep in his blood; he is the son of Ascencion Banuelos, the first Mexican-American ever inducted into the National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame. According to his website, Banuelos “specializes in training and showing cutting horses; excelling at the highest level.”
Banuelos isn’t just a rising star; he’s a champion. He made headlines in March 2024 when he defended his 2023 title at the prestigious American Performance Horseman, winning the cutter division and taking home the $100,000 prize. This victory marked his second consecutive title at the event, solidifying his reputation as one of the best in the sport. Hadid herself spoke with immense pride about his accomplishments, calling him “the youngest Mexican cowboy to ever be inducted into the Hall of Fame.”
A Shared Passion and Public Support
What made Hadid and Banuelos’ relationship so compelling was the genuine mutual support they displayed for each other’s passions. Their love for horses was the foundation of their bond, and it was a theme they celebrated publicly. In February 2024, Hadid marked their first Valentine’s Day together with a sweet Instagram tribute, posting a photo of Banuelos riding a horse with the simple caption, “My valentine💌💋.”
The support was a two-way street. Banuelos was Hadid’s biggest cheerleader as she pursued her own equestrian dreams. He celebrated her championship qualification with her horse, Metallic Tito, posting a video to Instagram with the caption, “Congratulations to Bella and #MetallicTito on their first major aged event finals at their first aged event together! #DreamTeam.” His pride was palpable again when she was named the NCHA 2024 Limited Age Event (LAE) Rookie of the Year, a moment he shared with his followers.
The couple was often seen together at major events, from Hadid’s birthday party in October 2023, where they posed in matching denim and cowboy hats, to the 2024 American Performance Horseman. At the latter, Hadid was spotted in the crowd, smiling and cheering Banuelos on, dressed for the occasion in a black cowgirl hat and a Western-inspired top. These moments painted a picture of a couple deeply in love and content in their shared world.
The End of an Era: Why the Split Matters
The news of their breakup in January 2026 comes as a surprise to many who watched their relationship blossom. While neither Hadid nor Banuelos has publicly commented on the reason for their split, the end of their two-year romance signifies more than just another celebrity breakup. It marks the end of a significant period in Hadid’s life, one where she seemed to have found a stable, private, and passion-driven partner away from the intense glare of the fashion world.
For fans, the breakup is the end of a narrative they had grown invested in—a story of a supermodel finding happiness in the simple, rugged life of Texas. Their relationship represented a departure from the usual celebrity dating playbook, offering a glimpse into a life built on shared interests and genuine affection rather than fame and fortune. While their time together has come to an end, the legacy of their romance will be remembered as a testament to the power of connection in the most unexpected places.
Their journey, from a chance meeting at a horse show to a celebrated two-year romance, has captivated audiences. As Hadid moves forward, fans will undoubtedly be watching to see what chapter she writes next, but the story of her time with Adan Banuelos will remain a fascinating and beloved part of her public life.
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