Bella Hadid Split From Boyfriend Who Didn’t Know Who She Was When They Met. Her Recent Interview About Wanting Kids Makes It Even Harder

Bella Hadid is navigating heartbreak after her two-year relationship with professional equestrian Adan Banuelos has reportedly come to an end.

The supermodel and the accomplished horse trainer, who became one of fashion’s most unexpected couples, have called it quits, according to Entertainment Tonight.

Sources close to Hadid reveal she’s taking the split particularly hard, leaning on work and close friends to process what insiders describe as a deeply serious relationship.

For someone who publicly credited her Texas cowboy with bringing peace and authenticity to her life, this breakup marks more than just another celebrity split—it represents the end of what appeared to be Hadid’s most grounded chapter yet.

Processing the Pain

An insider told ET that Hadid is struggling with the recent breakup, describing their bond as “very serious.”

She’s still processing it.

According to the source, the 28-year-old model has been surrounding herself with close friends and throwing herself into work as a way to cope with the emotional fallout. The strategy of staying busy is a common approach to navigating heartbreak, allowing individuals to maintain structure while processing difficult emotions.

Interestingly, despite the split, both Hadid and Banuelos continue following each other on Instagram—a digital connection that often signals either an amicable separation or unfinished emotional business. Neither party has publicly addressed the breakup.

From Texas Romance to Real Love

The couple first sparked dating rumors in October 2023 when they were spotted together in Texas. Hadid, typically seen on runways and red carpets, was suddenly a fixture at rodeo events, spending extended periods in the Lone Star State.

By February 2024, their romance went Instagram official with affectionate photos showing the pair in matching cowboy hats—a visual representation of how deeply Hadid had embraced this new lifestyle.

What made this relationship particularly noteworthy was how different it was from Hadid’s previous high-profile romances. Banuelos represented something refreshingly authentic in a world often dominated by image and celebrity.

A Breath of Fresh Air

In a May 2025 interview with British Vogue, Hadid opened up about meeting Banuelos while visiting her mother, Yolanda Hadid. She described him as completely unaware of her fame—a rarity in her world.

He basically came in, walked into the exhibit hall, which is where we do all of the show stuff. I was getting a cowboy hat fitted. I just saw him and I was like that’s the… I always wanted the cowboy. And he’s pretty gorgeous, let me tell you something.

Banuelos, an accomplished cowboy inducted into the NCHA Riders Hall of Fame at just 28 years old (the youngest ever), shared similar sentiments about their initial meeting with W Magazine in 2024.

I didn’t really know who I was saying hi to. I just knew, she’s gorgeous. And if I would’ve known, I probably would’ve stuttered my way right out it.

His candid admission highlighted the organic nature of their connection—untainted by the usual dynamics that come with dating someone of Hadid’s celebrity status.

Finding Herself in Texas

In April 2024, Hadid announced she was stepping back from modeling after relocating to Texas with her “partner.” The move represented a significant lifestyle shift for someone who had spent years under the intense scrutiny of the fashion industry.

Speaking with Allure, she explained how this period allowed her genuine authenticity for the first time in her career.

For the first time now, I’m not putting on a fake face. If I don’t feel good, I won’t go. If I don’t feel good, I take time for myself. And I’ve never had the opportunity to do that or say that before.

She continued, revealing the profound impact this change had on her overall wellbeing.

Now when anybody sees me in pictures and they say, I look happy, I genuinely am. I am feeling better; my bad days now were my old good days.

This transformation was particularly significant given Hadid’s long-term battle with chronic Lyme disease, which has impacted both her career and personal life for years.

Dreams of Family and Motherhood

Perhaps most poignant in retrospect was Hadid’s discussion of future family plans in that same British Vogue interview. She spoke openly about her desire for motherhood and how Banuelos was working toward building a home and family.

Family is on my mind. I can’t wait to be a mom. I think that I’m somebody for a lot of people, but in the real intimate way of being the person that somebody can count on consistently, that will change my life for me.

She elaborated on what truly mattered to her beyond the glitz of her modeling career.

I never grew up being like, “Oh, I have this vision of marriage.” I have this vision of being a mother. But it’s got to a point where I’m like: “You know what? That’s something that’s for me.” I think that would make me truly happy.

A Cowgirl at Heart

Banuelos spoke glowingly about Hadid’s natural horsemanship abilities and her genuine embrace of cowboy culture, telling W Magazine that despite her glamorous public image, she was truly a cowgirl at heart.

She’s very natural, very good at it. All animals, not only horses, love her. Her lifestyle is a lot of fashion and it looks glamorous and this and that, but at heart, she’s a cowgirl.

During an episode of the Along For The Ride podcast, Banuelos confirmed Hadid had moved into his fifth wheel trainer RV—a testament to how willing she was to embrace his lifestyle completely.

She did do the 5th wheel, happily. It was bada**. It was cool because I really wanted that to be a part of our relationship. You know, you start having feelings for somebody and you start thinking things like, “Man, maybe this is the rest of my life here.”

He expressed admiration for her simplicity and character, noting that material things weren’t her priority—a refreshing quality that deepened their connection.

Man, I can’t tell you how happy I am. I can’t tell you how fortunate I am… this young lady is one of the kindest, biggest-hearted and sweet person I’ve [ever met]. I mean I didn’t know God made ’em like that.

Moving Forward

As Hadid navigates this difficult transition, her approach reflects emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and maintaining work commitments can provide crucial stability during relationship endings.

The split also raises questions about what’s next for someone who had seemingly found her peaceful place away from the spotlight. Will she return to modeling full-time? Will she remain in Texas? These answers will likely unfold in the coming months.

What remains clear is that Hadid’s time with Banuelos represented genuine transformation—a period where she prioritized authenticity, health, and personal happiness over professional obligations. That growth doesn’t disappear with a breakup; it becomes part of who she is moving forward.

Representatives for Hadid have not responded to requests for comment from Daily Mail.

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