Western fashion and lifestyle trends have always been synonymous with wide-open spaces and rodeo arenas, but thanks to mainstream shows like Yellowstone, they’re finding a surprising new stage: New York Fashion Week.
In a fusion of equestrian and high fashion, supermodel Bella Hadid and her partner, elite $7 million rider Adan Banuelos, made headlines when they appeared at New York Fashion Week not just for their style, but for their horsemanship. The pair showcased a live demonstration on horseback at a pop-up event hosted by fashion brand Kemo Sabe in partnership with Teton Ridge, promoting the new short film series, Window to the West.
At the heart of the spectacle was the juxtaposition of two worlds — high fashion’s glossy runways and the rugged authenticity of Western performance horses. For the event, Teton Ridge transformed New York City’s popular Gansevoort Street into a makeshift arena, complete with a small pen and a CowTrac flag used for cutting demonstrations.
While CowTrac flags are a standard tool in Western horse training, they were likely new to the fashionable New York audience. This device, which replicates the movements of a cow, is integral in training cutting horses, a discipline where precision and responsiveness to cattle are essential.
The dynamic display featured Hadid and Banuelos performing cutting horse maneuvers, giving spectators a glimpse into the world of the National Cutting Horse Association.
Banuelos, a seasoned professional and NCHA Futurity champion, and Hadid, a regular competitor in cutting events, showcased their skills on well-known horses from their training repertoire. Hadid rode Purrn Likeasmoothcat, a cutting horse with an impressive competition record, while Banuelos demonstrated on Pedel to the Metall, a horse known for its success in the NCHA circuit.
Hadid’s involvement in the Western performance horse world has been gaining attention, with her consistently participating in major NCHA events, such as the NCHA Summer Spectacular. The event’s fusion of cutting horse demonstration with a high-fashion crowd signals a growing appreciation for Western culture in unexpected places. What might have once been a niche world confined to ranches and rodeo circuits is now sharing the spotlight with couture designs and international style icons.
Hadid’s attire for the event — denim, fringed chaps, a broad-brimmed hat, and an NCHA belt buckle — was not just a fashion statement but a reflection of her involvement in the Western scene.
The crossover between high fashion and Western culture has only grown in popularity, with brands like Kemo Sabe, Teton Ridge, and Tito’s Vodka getting in on the action.
