PUEBLO, Colo. – Love is in the air for 2017 World Champion Jess Lockwood.

Lockwood took to Instagram on Thursday to announce his engagement to girlfriend Hailey Kinsel.

Kinsel, a decorated barrel racer, is a two-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier and won the world title in 2018.

The pair has been dating for over a year – Lockwood posted in honor of the occasion on March 8.

Lockwood’s happy news comes as he remains out of competition with a broken collarbone suffered at the 2019 PBR Global Cup USA in early February. He’s been using a bone stimulator to try and speed up the healing process, but he still could be out another five weeks.

RELATED: Lockwood out for Kansas City due to broken collarbone

Lockwood began the season with two consecutive Unleash The Beast wins, in New York City and Chicago, to open up a sizeable lead atop the world standings. Since missing five premier series events, he’s slipped to the No. 2 ranking.

When he makes his return to try and retake the top spot, he’ll do so as an engaged man.

Congratulations to the happy couple!