Conformation is an excellent way to determine the potential soundness of a horse. Stress, strain and concussion forces usually cause lameness.
Poor conformation is a factor when stress is placed on a specific area of a leg.
For example, a base wide horse will have more stress and strain on the inside of its legs. They are then more prone to injuries on the inside of their legs. Some minor conformational flaws may not affect the performance of the horse. Look at the horse from all angles and run your hands down each leg to check for bumps and swelling. It is very important to have a vet perform a pre-purchase exam on the horse.