Carrie Daignault is comfortable riding horses — something she's been doing since she was young.

"I think they are gorgeous animals. I love the way they move. I love their personality," Daignault said.

As a kid, Carrie was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. And through the 4-H program, Carrie not only learned about herself, but she found a way to connect — not only with people, but the horses she rides.

"The big misconception with autism is that we don't have empathy and we don't connect with others," Daignault said. "And actually, there are more studies that are showing the opposite. That we actually feel empathy, sympathy more intensely than normal people."

At her side all those many years teaching her how to ride was her coach, Chrystal Barrigar, who after a decade of teaching Carrie, probably knows her as well as anyone. But there's one moment that stands out to Chrystal the most where the two of them cemented their bond.

"Carrie is not a hugger. That is something that is difficult for her," Barrigar said. "And she would always say 'I'm not a hugger, but I'm letting you know I'm saying goodbye.' And then the day she came up to me and she goes 'alright, bring it in. And she wanted a hug.' "

As that passion and confidence in horse riding in Carrie continued to grow, Carrie defied the stigmas that surrounded autism and rode in competitions. And she ended up winning.

"You've heard of the Triple Crown. Well, she'd end up winning in English, Western and Gymkhana, which was a really rare thing to do in 4-H," Barrigar said. "And so we joked that she got the Triple Crown."

And the horse that helped Carrie break out of her shell? Her name is Lady. She's 32 years old and retired from riding now, but she has a special place in Carrie's heart, even if she won't admit it.

"It's because it's like having a favorite child. You're going to have your biases then," Carrie said.