7 Shocking Facts About Adan Banuelos: The $7 Million Cowboy Who Tied For The 2025 NCHA Futurity
Contents
Adan Banuelos: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile
Adan Banuelos is a name synonymous with elite horsemanship, but his journey is rooted in a rich family history and decades of dedication. He is a second-generation cutting horse professional who has surpassed many of his contemporaries in a relatively short career.- Full Name: Adan Banuelos
- Occupation: Professional Cutting Horse Trainer and Competitor
- Nationality: Mexican-American
- Current Age: Approximately 36 years old (as of late 2025, born circa 1989/1990)
- Hometown/Base: Weatherford, Texas
- Business: Adan Banuelos Performance Horses
- Father: Ascension Banuelos (NCHA Hall of Fame Rider)
- Mother: Tiffani Banuelos-Ray
- NCHA Lifetime Earnings: Over $7.4 Million (as of mid-2025)
- Major Honors: NCHA Riders Hall of Fame Inductee (2017)
- Notable Relationship: Dating supermodel Bella Hadid (since late 2023/early 2024)
The Cutting Horse Dynasty: Banuelos's Career Highlights and NCHA Earnings
Adan Banuelos’s competitive record is a stunning display of consistency and high-stakes performance, cementing his status as one of the sport's most dominant figures. His career is not just about wins; it’s about establishing a legacy that rivals his Hall of Fame father.A Stellar Rise to the Hall of Fame
The pinnacle of Banuelos’s early career came in 2017 when he was inducted into the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Riders Hall of Fame. This is a rare honor for any rider, and achieving it at a relatively young age underscored his prodigious talent and the rapid accumulation of major titles and earnings. The induction recognized his exceptional skill in training and showing some of the best cutting horses in the world.The $7 Million Mark and Major Titles
As of mid-2025, Banuelos’s NCHA lifetime earnings have soared past the $7.4 million mark, making him one of the top five all-time leading riders in the association. This massive figure is a result of consistent success in the most prestigious events. * 2020 NCHA Open Futurity Champion: A career-defining moment was his victory at the 2020 NCHA Open Futurity, where he rode the mare All Spice to a score of 224, earning a massive $246,880. The NCHA Futurity is considered the Super Bowl of the cutting horse world. * 2021 Breeder's Invitational Win: He continued his winning streak by riding Sanctus to victory in the Special 5 Open at the 2021 Breeder's Invitational, marking a score of 225. * Multiple Futurity Wins: Banuelos has also claimed other major titles, including the Futurity Open Championship with Armani Blue, further demonstrating his ability to develop young horses into champions.The 2025 NCHA Open Futurity Tie
The most recent and significant competitive update is his performance at the 2025 NCHA Open Futurity. In a dramatic finish, Adan Banuelos, riding the horse Call Me Stevie, tied for the Open Futurity Championship. He and fellow elite rider Beau Galyean, riding Minkish, both marked a score of 220.5, resulting in a shared championship and a massive payday of $229,670 for each rider. This tie highlights the intense competition at the top level of the sport and Banuelos’s continued dominance in high-stakes events.Beyond the Arena: The High-Profile Relationship with Bella Hadid
While his professional achievements are legendary within the equestrian community, Adan Banuelos has gained significant mainstream attention due to his relationship with international supermodel Bella Hadid. The couple’s romance has become a major focal point for celebrity and lifestyle news outlets throughout 2025.A Shared Passion for Horses
The connection between Banuelos and Hadid is rooted in their mutual love for horses. Bella Hadid, an accomplished equestrian herself, has been a long-time competitor in the sport. Their relationship, which became public in late 2023 and early 2024, has been a consistent topic in the news, with Hadid frequently seen supporting Banuelos at various competitions.Public Appearances and Media Coverage
Throughout 2025, the couple has been featured in numerous articles, with sightings and social media posts confirming their strong bond. In May 2025, Hadid discussed how she met Banuelos, and by October and December 2025, they were still making headlines with public appearances and shared photos. This visibility has introduced the world of professional cutting horses to an entirely new, global audience, shining a spotlight on Banuelos and the sport. The relationship has turned Banuelos into a figure who bridges the gap between the rugged world of rodeo and the glamorous realm of high fashion. This cross-over appeal is unique and has certainly boosted his personal brand and public recognition.Training Philosophy and the Future of Adan Banuelos Performance Horses
Adan Banuelos is not just a rider; he is a highly sought-after trainer who runs Adan Banuelos Performance Horses in Weatherford, Texas. His approach to training is heavily influenced by the principles instilled by his father—a focus on horsemanship, hard work, and developing a genuine connection with each animal.The Horseman’s Approach
Banuelos's philosophy centers on patience and consistency. He specializes in training Open-level cutting horses, which are the most elite competitors in the sport. His success with horses like All Spice and Sanctus is a testament to his ability to identify, develop, and maximize the potential of a cutting horse. * Developing Young Talent: A significant part of his business is training 3-year-old horses for the NCHA Futurity, the event that tests the foundation and training of a horse. * Focus on Partnership: He emphasizes the partnership between horse and rider, believing that the best performances come from a deep understanding and trust between the two.The Financial and Brand Impact
The success in the arena has translated into significant financial stability. Estimates place Adan Banuelos's net worth between $5 million and $7 million as of 2025, a fortune built through prize money, horse training fees, sponsorships, and merchandise. His brand, Adan Banuelos Performance Horses, is one of the most respected names in the industry, attracting top owners and high-value equine prospects. The future for Adan Banuelos looks incredibly bright. With his continued competitive success, a thriving training business, and his growing public profile, he is poised to not only break more NCHA earnings records but also to become a major ambassador for the sport of cutting horse competition on a global scale. His journey from a family ranch in Texas to the top of the equestrian world and the celebrity spotlight is a compelling story of talent, dedication, and a true love for the horse.Detail Author:
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