Bella Hadid, a renowned figure in the entertainment world, has recently achieved a significant milestone. On Thursday, December 5th, at the age of 28, she was announced as the National Cutting Horse Association's (NCHA) 2024 Limited Age Event (LAE) Rookie of the Year. This honor came after she entered the cutting community just over a year ago. The NCHA website noted that she has proven herself to be the highest-earning amateur for NCHA Limited Aged Events.

Honor and Qualifications

To qualify for this prestigious honor, the winner must have lifetime earnings of less than $5,000 at the beginning of the point year. Hadid received this honor after becoming the NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity Limited Amateur Reserve Champion on Metallic Hardball (Metallic Cat x Cinca De Maya) on Tuesday, December 3rd. Adan Banuelos, in a celebratory Instagram post, wrote, "@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."

Hard Work and Support

Jay Winborn, the Executive Director of the NCHA, also congratulated Hadid in a statement, highlighting her hard work both in and out of the show pen. He noted that when she is not competing, she cheerfully supports her fellow cutting competitors and wholeheartedly promotes the sport of cutting. The organization looks forward to seeing her talent and passion for the sport, as well as her bond with equine athletes, continue to grow and thrive.

Personal Journey

Hadid and Banuelos first came into the public eye when they were spotted in Fort Worth, Texas, in October 2023, according to photos obtained by TMZ. In April, Hadid told Allure that she was taking a step back from modeling after moving to Texas with Banuelos, her "partner." She expressed that for the first time, she was able to be true to herself. If she didn't feel good, she wouldn't go. This newfound freedom allowed her to focus on her well-being and enjoy life. She said, "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. 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."