Celebrity Equestrians: An Update on Bella Hadid
We check in with the model that’s single-handedly making “cowgirl couture” a thing.
Instagram @bellahadid
Back in January, we reported that Bella Hadid was becoming a serious contender on the Texas cutting scene, and she hasn’t slowed down since.
After officially moving to the Lone Star State to be closer to her partner and cutting trainer, Adan Banuelos, Hadid has been a regular in the cutting arena and most recently was caught chasing cans at a local rodeo in Colorado.
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Hadid and Banuelos spent time at the Iron Rose Ranch in Carbondale, recharging before the next round of cutting competitions.
Instagram @ab_performancehorses
Talking about her move to Fort Worth, Hadid told Allure magazine, “After 10 years of modeling, I realized I was putting so much energy and love and effort into something that, in the long run, wasn’t necessarily giving it back to me.”
Hadid has always been candid about her physical and mental health struggles. A bout of Lyme disease in 2013 is partially credited with ending her Olympic show jumping aspirations. She also champions equine therapy and “chang[ing] lives through the power of horses” after visiting Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Center in February.
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All evidence points to the fact that the move to Texas and western disciplines has been a boon for Hadid. In April, she and horse “Tucker” advanced to second go of the pair’s first Non Pro aged event.
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In the National Cutting Horse Association rankings, Hadid is currently ranked 3rd in the Limited Age category for 2024 Rookie of the Year with $9,906.17 in earnings.
She’ll have a chance to improve to second place this month, competing at the National Cutting Horse Association Summer Cutting Spectacular in Fort Worth at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. Joining her in the show ring will be friend and “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan, along with her partner, Banuelos.
Hadid is registered to compete on two horses: “Imma Be Smooth” and “Whippish.”
Good luck, Bella!
Go riding.
Amanda Uechi Ronan is an author, equestrian, and wannabe race car driver. Follow her on Instagram @amanda_uechi_ronan.
