Heredity plays a major role in conformation, passed down from both sire and dam.
Problems can be perpetuated in subsequent generations if the breeding program is not changed to eliminate conformational flaws. Knowing what conformational defects are likely to produce specific unsoundnesses is the key to breeding horses with suitable conformation for the chosen discipline. These conformational defects are not specific to or characteristic of one breed. All breeds are susceptible to passing on conformational flaws. Since conformational flaws can contribute significantly to lameness, it is important to determine whether or not the lameness was acquired or inherited.