The June/July 2011 issue of American Cowboy featured a dozen historic rodeos that helped make modern professional rodeo what it is today--including the Prescott Rodeo, Days of '76 Rodeo, and Ogden Pioneer Days. But rodeo is also more than the card-carrying cowboys that compete in an arena. Here's a look at several other types of rodeos and where to find them.

Amateur Rodeos Also known as community rodeos, amateur rodeos have a history of welcoming all comers and are not subject to the same regulations as PRCA events. Aspiring cowboys can try their luck at the Paulina Amateur Rodeo (paulinaoregonrodeo.com), Enterprise Rodeo (enterpriserodeo.com), and the Elizabeth Stampede (elizabethstampede.com), and other community rodeos nationwide.

Indian Rodeos Sometimes Indians are the cowboys. Rodeos hosted by Indian tribes are held across the West and blend native traditions with rodeo competition. Top contenders vie for the championship at the annual Indian National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nov. 8–12. 406-338-7684, infr.org

Ranch Rodeos Working cowboys and cowgirls show their mettle at ranch rodeos, which feature practical events, like team penning and branding inspired by the skills required on the range. Competition is team-based, and the Working Ranch Cowboy Association (WRCA) sponsors dozens of events each year as well as a world championship in November in Amarillo, Texas. 806-374-9722, wrca.org

Senior Rodeos Not every cowboy rides off into the sunset. The National Senior Pro Rodeo Association enables men and women 40 years old and up to keep on riding, roping, and racing to earn a spot at the Senior National Finals Rodeo, also in Las Vegas. 928-684-9566, seniorrodeo.com

Series Rodeos Series rodeos like the Cody Nite Rodeo (codynightrodeo.com), Cowtown Rodeo (cowtownrodeo.com), and Mesquite Rodeo (mesquiterodeo.com) feature long-running events and plenty of entertainment in one location.

Youth Rodeos The Little Britches (nlbra.com), a youth rodeo organization for children ages 5-18, the National High School Rodeo Association (nhsra.com), and the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (collegerodeo.com), organize rodeo competitions for young athletes. Although the contenders might be smaller, the drive for success is not—each association sponsors a national championship.