Hailey Kinsel, also known as Hailey Kinsel Lockwood, is a renowned rodeo competitor specializing in barrel racing.
Born on October 3, 1994, in Cotulla, Texas, Kinsel has made a name for herself as a 4-time World Barrel Racing Champion, securing the title in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022 at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR).
She has also won the NFR Average title once in 2020. Kinsel’s passion for rodeo began in her adolescence, and she has competed professionally since high school and college.
Here, we have Hailey Kinsel’s net worth, earnings, professional career, achievements, relationship status, and more.
Hailey Kinsel’s Biography
| Name | Hailey Kinsel |
| Occupation | Rodeo Competitor |
| Discipline | Barrel Racing |
| Date of Birth | October 3, 1994 |
| Birthplace | Cotulla, Texas, US |
| Net Worth | $4 million |
| Husband | Jess Lockwood |
| Major Wins/Championships | 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022 Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Barrel Racing Championship |
| Significant Horses | DM Sissy Hayday “Sister”, Thunder Stones “TJ” |
Her parents have a strong equestrian background, with her mother being a former Miss Rodeo Texas in 1980.
The Kinsel family owns a commercial beef cattle ranch, and their rodeo backgrounds significantly fostered Hailey’s interest in rodeo and horses.
Their parents encouraged Hailey and her older brother Matt to participate in rodeo, among other sports, academic, and livestock events.
Hailey initially preferred gymnastics, but her interest shifted toward barrel racing and rodeo when she turned 11.
Early Life
Hailey Kinsel’s early life was deeply rooted in rodeo and equestrian activities, thanks to her family’s background and their cattle ranch.
At 13, she received her first dedicated barrel horse, Josey, with whom she competed throughout junior high and high school.
However, when Josey got injured, Kinsel began competing on a gelding named Thunder Stones, nicknamed TJ, throughout her college years.
Professional Career
Kinsel’s professional career took off in 2017 when she qualified for RFD-TV’s The American, splitting a $1 million side pot.
This win boosted her confidence and gave her extra money to spend. She won the championship buckle at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper that same year.
Her successful qualification at the Days of ’47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo led to a gold medal and $60,000, placing her 7th in the world and paving the way for her first NFR qualifying trip to Las Vegas.
Husband
Hailey Kinsel, a 4-time World Barrel Racing Champion, was married to Jess Lockwood, a professional rodeo cowboy specializing in bull riding and a 2-time Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Champion.
The couple started dating in April 2018 and got engaged in March 2019. They exchanged their vows in a cowboy-themed wedding ceremony on October 25, 2019.
Hailey Kinsel’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Hailey Kinsel’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million. Most of her income comes from her successful career as a rodeo rider.
Career Earnings
In 2020, Kinsel finished the season with total earnings of $349,076, coming close to her 2018 record of $350,700.
As of the 2023 regular season, her career earnings through the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) stand at $105,776.
| Year | Highlights and Achievements |
| 2022 | Won Ellensburg Rodeo, Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo, San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo |
| 2021 | Highest money earner among WPRA Barrel Racers for the Fourth of July ($22,238), Won Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, Amarillo Tri-State Fair & Rodeo, Tri-State Rodeo, Kansas’ Biggest Rodeo, Sheridan WYO Rodeo, Ogden Pioneer Days, Livingston Round-up |
| 2020 | Set a new record on a standard barrel pattern at a PRCA/WPRA rodeo, Won the Wrangler NFR average title, and Finished the year with $349,076 |
| 2019 | First WPRA barrel racer to win back-to-back titles since Kelly Kaminski in 2004-2005. Finished the year with $290,020 |
| 2018 | Won her first world title, Set a new season earnings record with $350,700 |
| 2017 | Moved from seventh in the world to reserve world champion, Set a new arena record at the NFR with a 13.11 during the third round, Set a new earnings record at the NFR after winning $189,385 |
| 2016 | Won the Elizabeth Stampede, the Longview PRCA Rodeo, the Crockett Lions Club PRCA Rodeo, and the Hugo PRCA Rodeo |
| 2015 | Finished ranked 19th in the WPRA Rookie of the Year standings with $4,880 |
Career Statistics
| Year | World Titles | NFR Average Titles | NFR Qualifications | Earnings |
| 2018 | 1 | 0 | 1 | $350,700 |
| 2019 | 1 | 0 | 1 | – |
| 2020 | 1 | 1 | 1 | $349,076 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 1 | $281,156 |
| 2022 | 1 | 0 | 1 | $302,172 |
| 2023 | – | – | 1 | $105,776 |
FAQs
1. Who is Hailey Kinsel?
Hailey Kinsel is an American professional rodeo cowgirl known for her achievements in barrel racing. She has won multiple Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Championships and is recognized as one of the top barrel racers in the sport.
2. What are Hailey Kinsel’s major career accomplishments?
Hailey Kinsel has won the WPRA World Champion barrel racer title in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022. She has also won the NFR Average title and has qualified for the National Finals Rodeo eight consecutive times from 2017 to 2024.
3. What horse is Hailey Kinsel famous for riding?
Hailey Kinsel is best known for riding her palomino mare, DM Sissy Hayday, affectionately called “Sister.” Sister has played a key role in Kinsel’s success, including winning major rodeo titles and setting records.
4. Where is Hailey Kinsel from and where does she live now?
Hailey Kinsel was born in Cotulla, Texas. She currently resides on her ranch in Stephenville, Texas, where she continues to train and compete in rodeo events.
5. What is Hailey Kinsel’s educational background?
Hailey Kinsel graduated from Texas A&M University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Agriculture Economics. While in college, she competed in rodeo events as part of the Fightin’ Aggie Rodeo team.
6. How did Hailey Kinsel get started in barrel racing?
Hailey began competing in rodeo as a child, first riding a horse named Josey in junior high and high school. She later rode Thunder Stones, called TJ, in college before training and competing with Sister, her most successful horse.
7. Has Hailey Kinsel set any records in barrel racing?
Yes, Hailey Kinsel has set several records, including the all-time fastest run on a standard pattern at 13.63 seconds. She has also achieved record-breaking earnings at major rodeos, such as the American Rodeo and the NFR.
8. Has Hailey Kinsel faced any significant challenges in her career?
Hailey has overcome setbacks like hitting barrels during important runs and dealing with the pressures of being in the spotlight. She has spoken about learning from both wins and losses to grow as a competitor.
9. Was Hailey Kinsel married, and what is her current relationship status?
Hailey Kinsel married bull rider Jess Lockwood in 2019. According to recent updates, she is now single and no longer uses his last name professionally.
10. What makes Hailey Kinsel and Sister’s partnership special in the rodeo world?
Their partnership is celebrated for their remarkable chemistry and consistency. Sister’s athleticism and Kinsel’s skill have led to iconic performances, including runs that fans compare to some of the greatest moments in barrel racing history.
