In the rising trot, the rider allows the horse's movement to throw his or her seat a bit out of the saddle.

When the rising trot is performed correctly, it is comfortable for the rider and easy on the horse.

Except in saddle seat riding, rider's shoulders maintain a slight forward incline throughout the rising trot, instead of the upright, vertical position seen in sitting trot.

If a rider cannot sit the trot and is bounced around, the rising trot is preferable, because not only is the rider uncomfortable, the constant slamming of the rider onto the horse is uncomfortable for the horse.