At a Glance
- Bella Hadid and equestrian Adan Banuelos announced their breakup in January 2026 after more than two years together.
- The couple first met at a Texas horse show in October 2023 and shared several public celebrations, including Valentine’s Day and Hadid’s 27th birthday.
- Their split follows a series of media reports, with Entertainment Tonight breaking the story before a source confirmed it to News Of Los Angeles.
Why it matters: The breakup of two high-profile figures highlights how public relationships can intertwine with personal passions and career milestones.
Introductory Paragraph
Bella Hadid and her former boyfriend, professional equestrian Adan Banuelos, have called it quits after more than two years of dating. The couple first linked publicly in October 2023 at a horse show in Fort Worth, Texas, and their relationship was followed by fans and media alike. In January 2026, a source confirmed the breakup to News Of Los Angeles after Entertainment Tonight was the first to report the split.
Relationship Beginnings
The pair’s first public appearance together came in October 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas, when they were photographed at a local horse show. Hadid recalled the moment in a May 2025 interview with British Vogue:
> “I saw him walk in and it was like a gust of fresh air,” she said.
Hadid explained that Banuelos was the one who walked into the exhibit hall while she was fitting a cowboy hat. She added,
> “I was getting a cowboy hat fitted. I just saw him and I was like that’s the … I always wanted the cowboy.”
Banuelos, who had no idea who Hadid was at the time, later told her,
> “I never knew who you were until I saw your face for the first time.”
Professional Lives
Adan Banuelos
Banuelos is a professional equestrian based in Fort Worth. He comes from a family deeply rooted in the sport; his father, Ascencion Banuelos, was the first Mexican-American inducted into the National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame. According to Banuelos’s own website, he
> “specializes in training and showing cutting horses; excelling at the highest level.”
He also runs a program that supports top-level amateurs and non-professional riders.
Bella Hadid
Hadid has been involved with horses her entire life, competing in cutting and other equestrian events. In December 2024, she was named the NCHA Limited Age Event (LAE) Rookie of the Year, a milestone she celebrated with Banuelos’s support.
Shared Moments
Valentine’s Day 2024
Banuelos celebrated his first Valentine’s Day with Hadid in February 2024. Hadid posted a tribute on her Instagram Stories, captioned
> “My valentine💌💋.”
The photo featured Banuelos riding a horse while Hadid stood beside him, emphasizing their shared love of riding.
27th Birthday Celebration
In October 2023, Hadid marked her 27th birthday with Banuelos. She posted a carousel of photos on Instagram, showing the pair in denim outfits and matching black cowboy hats. The caption read
> “October 9, 2023. My 27th Birthday🎈🫶🏼.”
The images highlighted their close bond and mutual appreciation for Western style.
Support at Competitions
Banuelos was a constant presence at Hadid’s equestrian events. In early February 2024, he posted a video celebrating Hadid’s qualification for her horse, Metallic Tito, at a major aged event, writing
> “Congratulations to Bella and #MetallicTito on their first major aged event finals at their first aged event together! #DreamTeam.”
When Hadid earned the NCHA 2024 Limited Age Event Rookie of the Year title in December, Banuelos shared footage and noted
> “@nchacutting Futurity Limited Amateur Reserve CHAMPIONS! To say we’re proud would be an understatement. @bellahadid, First year out, Futurity Limited Am Reserve Champ ✔️ Amateur Rookie Of The Year ✔️.”
Hadid herself was seen cheering Banuelos during the 2024 American Performance Horseman in March 2024, wearing a black wide-rimmed cowgirl hat and glittery top.
Breakup Confirmation
After more than two years together, the couple decided to part ways. Entertainment Tonight was the first outlet to report the split. A source confirmed the breakup to News Of Los Angeles in January 2026, following the earlier report. A representative for Hadid did not respond to a request for comment.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2023 | First public appearance together at a Texas horse show |
| February 2024 | First Valentine’s Day celebration |
| March 2024 | Banuelos defends American Performance Horseman title |
| December 2024 | Hadid named NCHA Limited Age Event Rookie of the Year |
| January 2026 | Breakup confirmed by source |
Key Takeaways
- The relationship began in a shared passion for horses and quickly became public.
- Both partners supported each other’s careers, celebrating milestones and competitions.
- Their breakup, confirmed in January 2026, ended a partnership that spanned over two years.
