Abstract: The objective of this study was to confirm the practical value of high-resolution respirometry (HRR) applied to biopsies to determine, in horses, the level of training, their athletic ability and for the early detection of muscular dysfunction. Materials and methods - The muscle mitochondrial respiration was determined by HRR in 20 endurance horses and 10 trotters sampled at the triceps brachii at different stages of their training. Results - Training increases mitochondrial respiration, in addition, the best performers had the highest rate of respiration. A trotter had abnormally low levels of muscle mitochondrial respiration for its level of training. This horse has presented several episodes of rhabdomyolysis during its racing season. Discussion - The biopsy is easily achievable by the attending veterinarian. This study shows that the athletic ability of horses is closely linked to respiratory muscle function, and suggests the value of HRR for performance prediction. In addition, the RHR has the ability to demonstrate mitochondrial dysfunction potentially responsible for exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis.