Blake Horstmann Confirms He ‘Dated’ Kristina Schulman: ‘I Couldn’t Be There for Her’
Leah Mitchell
Updated on March 08, 2026
There was a lot of speculation that Bachelor Nation alums Blake Horstmann and Kristina Schulman were romantically involved this past year. Those rumors turned out to be absolutely true, according to the former Bachelorette contestant. Blake appeared on the web show The Morning Toast and confirmed that the duo did have a short fling but it ended up fizzling out. Keep scrolling for all the details!
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The Rumors Were True
“We dated. I’m not going to act like we were just flirting. She came to Denver and visited me a couple of times,” the 29-year-old admitted on the April 10 episode.
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Not Meant to Be
He continued, “It didn’t really work out. I was at a very strange point in my life.”
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The Timing Wasn’t Right
The two were first spotted by fans back in September 2018 but kept whatever was going on between them very private. The only social media contact they had was liking each other’s photos.
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Weird Transitions Were About to Happen
Blake had just been dumped by Becca Kufrin and was a strong contender to take the lead as the next Bachelor. However, the runner-up from season 14 ended up being overlooked for Colton Underwood.
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Things Were Still Going to be Wild
He explained that not being chosen as the lead didn’t mean his life was about to simmer down. “It was right after — right after — I was officially announced as not being the Bachelor. And, I didn’t realize what my life was going to turn into as far as being busy and traveling and having all these crazy opportunities,” he said.
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He Wasn’t Able to Commit
“I just felt that I couldn’t be there for her the way she wanted me to,” he confessed about their decision to part ways.
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Ready for a Good Man
Kristina previously competed for Nick Viall‘s heart during season 21. The Russian beauty was sent packing right before hometowns but continued to be a fan favorite from the franchise.
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She Knew the Deal
Considering she’s been through the franchise, Kristina knows what she wants and isn’t willing to wait around. “She realized that, too,” Blake dished about their fling coming to an end. “She has been in this world a long time, too. A long time. So, she [knew] what my life was about to change into.”
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No Saltiness Here
Blake assured fans that they ended things in a civil manner. “We respect each other a ton. There was a ton of communication throughout, we were honest with each other.”
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The Sensible Thing
Blake added, “At that point, it’s like, ‘I can’t give you what you want,’ and she was like, ‘You can’t give me what I want.'” Very mature, you guys!
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‘Paradise,’ Maybe?
What’s next for the Colorado native? Fans are vying for him to join the cast of the upcoming season of Paradise.
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Looking for Love
He divulged that if he found the right woman before filming, he would pass on the reality show. “I would definitely turn down the opportunity. Bachelor in Paradise terrifies me … It’s terrifying to go back because they have your whole life in their hands. They really do … It’s scary,” he said.
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Protecting His Heart
In addition, the possibility of heartbreak is equally terrifying. He confessed, “How my Bachelorette journey ended is scary and I don’t know if I want to go through that again.”
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A Happy Surprise
As for who he’s into from the latest season, the contestants really surprised him. “When I first saw the cast for Colton’s season I was like, ‘Oh, they’re young.’ I wasn’t very excited. I was like, ‘Do I even want to do Paradise?'” the stud admitted. “But, of course, I watched the season and got to know these girls … Even the ones who didn’t get a lot of screen time I still feel like were pretty great,” he said.
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A Keen Eye
“But, that’s the hard part of watching a season — especially after being on it — I see the editing. I see a lot of the top four so I feel like I would get along with the top four. But, then again, maybe there are some sleepers who just didn’t get any screen time.”
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There Are A Lot of Options
“If I go to Paradise, I’ll definitely go on with an open mind. I really will,” Blake acknowledged.
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What the Fans Want
People have been shipping the Denver resident with former contestant Hannah Godwin.
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Stating the Obvious
He agreed that she’s “gorgeous,” but he doesn’t really know much else about the blonde beauty. Perhaps the two will get to know each other this season? We’ll keep our fingers crossed.
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Good Luck, Blake!
Obviously, Blake and Kristina are both awesome people. We’re sure love is on the horizon for both of them (even if it didn’t happen with each other).
