Bella Hadid isn't just dating a new guy; she's basically living a completely different life. If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram lately and noticed way fewer high-fashion editorials and way more dusty horse stalls, there’s a massive reason for that.
The supermodel has swapped the chaotic energy of New York City for the quiet, wide-open spaces of Fort Worth, Texas. Honestly, it’s the kind of pivot most people only talk about doing after a bad week at work, but she actually did it. And at the center of this transformation is her relationship with Adan Banuelos.
📖 Related: Why the Bad Bunny Calvin Klein Add Still Has the Internet Obsessed
Bella Hadid Dating: The Cowboy Who Changed Everything
So, who is he? Adan Banuelos isn’t just some guy who owns a pair of boots. He’s a legitimate star in the equestrian world. He was inducted into the National Cutting Horse Association Rider Hall of Fame in 2017—one of the youngest people to ever make the cut.
They didn't meet at a fancy Met Gala after-party or through a high-end dating app. They met at a horse show. Bella told British Vogue in 2025 that she was getting a cowboy hat fitted when she saw him walk into the exhibit hall. She described it as a "gust of fresh air."
Interestingly, Adan didn't really know who she was at first. For someone who has been one of the most photographed women on the planet for a decade, that kind of anonymity was exactly what she needed. It wasn't about the "Bella Hadid" brand; it was just about two people who really, really love horses.
The Timeline: From Rumors to Texas Reality
The relationship didn't just happen overnight, though it felt fast to those of us watching from the outside.
- October 2023: The first sparks flew. They were spotted by TMZ cameras in Fort Worth, looking very much like a couple—holding hands and sharing a few kisses. This was shortly after her split from art director Marc Kalman.
- January 2024: Bella started "soft-launching" the romance. She posted photos of herself competing in cutting horse events, with Adan frequently appearing in the background or cheering from the sidelines.
- February 2024: The hard launch. On Valentine's Day, she posted a shot of them together, officially confirming what everyone already suspected.
- Late 2024 - 2025: Things got serious. Bella didn't just visit; she moved. She even spent time living in Adan’s fifth-wheel trailer while she got settled in Texas. Imagine one of the world's top-earning models living in a trailer. She called it "badass."
Why This Relationship Is Different
You’ve probably followed Bella’s dating history. It was high-profile and, frankly, a bit exhausting to keep up with. Her on-again, off-again years with The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) were the stuff of tabloid legends, filled with Met Gala appearances and cryptic song lyrics. Then there was the three-year run with Marc Kalman, which was much more private but still firmly rooted in the N.Y.C. fashion scene.
This vibe with Adan? It’s a total 180.
Bella has been open about her struggles with chronic Lyme disease and the mental toll of the modeling industry. She mentioned to Allure that after ten years of giving everything to modeling, she realized the industry wasn't always giving that love back. In Texas, she’s not "Model of the Year." She’s a rookie competitor in the National Cutting Horse Association.
And she’s actually good. Like, winning-prize-money good. By the end of 2024, she was ranked high in the NCHA Rookie of the Year standings.
💡 You might also like: Catherine Bach Now and Then: Why the Daisy Duke Legend Still Matters in 2026
Is Marriage or a Family on the Horizon?
By early 2026, the rumors have shifted from "Are they dating?" to "When are they getting married?" While there’s no official wedding date, Bella hasn't been shy about her future goals. She told HELLO! that she "cannot wait" to be a mom and that family is heavily on her mind.
Adan seems to be on the same page. He’s often spoken about how he works to build a home and a family. It’s a grounded, long-term perspective that feels a world away from the "seen and be seen" culture of her past relationships.
What This Means for Her Career
Don't worry, she hasn't retired. She still does the occasional big gig—like her return to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in late 2025—but she’s being much more selective. She’s focusing on her fragrance brand, Orebella, and her life on the ranch.
She's living in a neighborhood in Weatherford, Texas, that’s becoming a bit of a celebrity enclave (even Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan lives nearby). It’s a life defined by trail rides and early mornings at the stable rather than 4:00 AM call times for a photoshoot in Paris.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to keep up with Bella's new era or are inspired by her "cowboycore" shift, here’s how to follow along:
- Watch the NCHA Standings: If you want to see how she’s actually doing as an athlete, the National Cutting Horse Association website lists her earnings and rankings. She’s a legit competitor.
- Look for Orebella Updates: Her business moves are now more focused on her own brands than being the face of everyone else’s.
- Respect the Privacy: She moved to Texas specifically to escape the paparazzi. While she shares snippets on Instagram, the "Texas Family" she often refers to is a tight-knit group that values discretion.
Ultimately, the story of Bella Hadid dating Adan Banuelos isn't just a gossip item. It’s a story about a woman who had the world at her feet and decided she’d rather be on a horse in the middle of Texas. It’s about finding a partner who sees the person, not the persona.
Whether they're headed for the altar or just the next rodeo, one thing is certain: the high-fashion Bella we knew has evolved into something much more authentic.