How the Supermodel and the Cowboy Trainer Found Love in the Saddle — A Complete Timeline
Bella Hadid has long possessed the rare ability to balance grit and grace, a supermodel with an equestrian heart. Yet it’s her romance with champion horse trainer Adan Banuelos — one of the youngest riders ever inducted into the National Cutting Horse Association Riders Hall of Fame — that has captured the fashion world’s imagination. Together, they’ve spun a quiet but captivating love story rooted in shared passions, resilience, and a deep respect for one another.
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Their journey began in the fall of 2023 when Bella, then grappling with the long tail of Lyme disease and finding refuge in rural Texas, crossed paths with Banuelos. As she later revealed in British Vogue, “I was starting to feel a little better, still dealing with my own stuff. Then, the next day, I met my boyfriend.” The scene was almost cinematic — Bella, being fitted for a cowboy hat, looked up to spot Adan strolling into the exhibit hall. “I saw him walk in, and it was like a gust of fresh air,” she recalled. “I always wanted the cowboy, and he’s pretty gorgeous, let me tell you.”
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For Bella, this quiet moment became the turning point in her recovery — and the beginning of a profound chapter in both her life and her career as an equestrian. “He didn’t even recognize me until he saw my face,” she said. “For me, that was a breath of fresh air.”
The Timeline: From the First Spark to Forever
October 17, 2023: Rumors of a new romance surfaced when paparazzi captured Bella and Adan sharing a tender moment while exploring the Fort Worth Stockyards.
January 24, 2024: The couple went Instagram official when Bella posted a slideshow of herself at the riding arena, hand-in-hand with Adan, captioning it, “Never stop trying new things. I will never stop loving on you like this.”
February 14, 2024: Bella hard-launched their relationship with a dreamy Valentine’s Day post — a black-and-white image of herself perched on a gate, gazing down at Adan astride a horse. The caption? A simple and unmistakable, “My valentine 💌💋.”
March 8, 2024: The couple attended their first public event together — the American Performance Horseman at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas — sharing a dance and locking eyes as if no one else was in the room.
March 14, 2024: Bella cemented the bond by purchasing a home in rural Fort Worth, putting down roots closer to Adan and making it clear this was more than a passing romance.
May 2, 2024: At the launch of her new fragrance, Orebella, Bella shared a kiss with Adan in a celebratory post, thanking him for supporting her in making the brand a reality.
July 8, 2024: In an Instagram post about her recent rodeo victories, Bella called Adan her “Best trainer ever” — a wink to the role he played in guiding her back to the saddle.
September 12, 2024: The couple stepped out in New York for the premiere of Window to the West, a short film featuring Adan, making their first official Red Carpet appearance as a couple.
September 15, 2024: Bella celebrated Adan’s debut in Horse Sense with a heartfelt post: “I am so proud of you and all that you do. I keep looking back and I’m just grateful to be a part of it.”
December 8, 2024: The couple surprised fans with a memorable cameo in the Paramount+ hit Yellowstone, bringing their equestrian chemistry to the screen.
December 12, 2024: After being named Rookie of the Year, Bella posted an emotional tribute to Adan, writing, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. Adan always had faith in me, from the first day we rode together, and gave me confidence when I needed it most.”
May 13, 2025: In a candid British Vogue interview, Bella spoke openly about falling for Adan, his deep work ethic, and his role in reshaping her outlook on life. “He didn’t even recognize me when we met. To me, that was a breath of fresh air,” she said.
From the dusty plains of Texas to the bright lights of New York and beyond, the story of Bella Hadid and Adan Banuelos unfolds like a modern western romance — equal parts grit and beauty.
