Abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate systemic repercussions of different exercise tests when compared to those observed during endurance rides. Blood sampling and analysis were performed on horses from the national team in 2009 at 3 canter sessions and on 1 ride. The haematological and biochemical values measured at rest and one hour post-effort were compared using the paired Student-t test and the amplitude of variation was compared between sessions. At rest, some biochemical parameters showed training induced changes. Most of the investigated parameters showed significant variations at work. However, variations observed during canter sessions were much less important than during the ride and remained in the reference values. In elite endurance horses, canter sessions appear to mimic solicitations encountered during rides with much less systemic consequences. The present data justify the use of such exercise tests in the training program of endurance horses. They could be used as a reference to evaluate the response to such exercises in lower level horses.