April 11, 2007

Columbia, S.C. – Many by now have heard that there are some competitive horse riders at the University of South Carolina. These riders make up the Gamecock Equestrian team, and are one of two teams at South Carolina that have won a national championship for the University, however, a unique fact about South Carolina’s team is the sister tandem of Amy and Katy Biffle.

The Biffle sisters hail from Orange Grove, Texas and are both Western style riders for the nationally acclaimed Gamecock Equestrian team. When deciding to come to USC they both profess that they just wanted to get as far away from home as possible.

“I just wanted to get as far away from home as I could,” said Katy. “I just loved the location of South Carolina, and I just loved all the girls that were here on the team.”

Amy came to USC for much the same reasons and having her sister here definitely was a big plus in her decision. Both believed that having each other would be beneficial because they know each other, and having another set of eyes that can constructively critique is a big plus.

Growing up, it was Katy who got the sisters involved in horseback riding.

“When I was about three, I told my parents that I wanted a pony, and my grandparents had a ranch, and I just got started from there. I think my parents thought it was just going to be a hobby, but it has really become a family affair,” said Katy.

The family made a lot of sacrifices for both so that the two could continue to do horseback riding.

“Often times their mom would take time off work in the summer to travel to events with us, and dad would help us clean up the stables when we could not,” said Amy.

However, the girls state that it was their grandparents who were the biggest supporters.

“Our grandparents were really our biggest fans, they were there for all of our events,” said Amy.

The events took up most of their free time so the family never really took vacations. It did not really bother the sisters because it was a time where they would see all the friends they had made at the events. It was a lot of fun for the sisters.

Just because the Biffle sisters are full-time athletes at USC, that does not mean they do not have a social life. Both belong to the sorority, Delta Zeta, and both enjoy tailgating at the football games in the fall.

However, their biggest love is for their girls on the equestrian team. In their opinion, this year’s team could definitely compete for another national championship. They feel that the depth of this year’s team is one of the biggest reasons why it is possible.

“There are so many talented riders on this team. There are ten freshman, and with all of our older experienced riders, any of us could compete and could get the job done,” says Katy.

It is obvious to notice the closeness of the team and the girls attribute that to head coach Boo Duncan and assistant coach Ruth Sorrell for creating that atmosphere.

The Biffle sisters are two great riders for the USC equestrian team, but more importantly they are even better people. With continued hard work, passion, and drive to be the best, it is hard not to like what they bring to the USC equestrian team.