As many of you already know, Dr. Michael Miller, MD, CJF, FWCF recently released his new book, "The Mirage of the Natural Foot". The work appears to be self published and represents Dr. Millers control based research and thoughts regards barefoot trimming.

I just finished reading Dr. Millers book and would recommend this text as an addition to any farriers personal library.

This book, while encapsulating Dr. Millers control based scientific study, does an excellent job of presenting the information in the context of the history, people and methodologies that have evolved into today's mass marketing of the 'barefoot mania'.

The text is presented in terms well fashioned for the layperson and professional farrier alike. I was particularly impressed with Dr. Millers inclusion of a brief section titled "Weaknesses of this Study". While I have read many research documents, it is uncommon for an author to add a 'self critique' section to the scientific method. Providing this addition opens the door for subsequent research and more refined analysis of related topics.

Dr. Miller's book is a very short read at only 60 pages but deserves an investment in thoughtful consideration that exceeds the time normally needed for reading such a short volume.

An important note about Dr. Millers book is, in my opinion, the price. "The Mirage of the Natural Foot", offered at only $9.95 USD, was clearly not written to earn any significant profit. The relatively small demographic this book targets could not generate enough revenue to warrant the investment if profit were the goal.

It is fair to conclude that Dr. Miller performed this research and delivered his book to provide us with a formal and long overdue answer to much of the internet based junk science and marketing hyperbole that inundates today's horse owning public.

Dr. Miller's book arms the professional farrier with science based arguments to counter the myths and sometimes disingenuous pandering of the self styled 'equine natural hoofcare experts'.

If you have not already read "The Mirage of the Natural Foot", I would encourage anyone, farrier or horse owner, to do so at your earliest opportunity.

Consider purchasing at least three copies. Keep one for yourself and give the other two to customers of your choice. This would effectively triple the circulation and serve to expand the awareness of this work among horse owners.

Respectfully,

Mark

It is self published, I asked Dr Miller about that at the AFA convention. He said that allowed him to say what he wanted to say and also allowed him to hold the price down. $9.95/copy,heck most magazines run half that per issue on a subscription cost.

I'll second what Mark says.

I'd really like to get hold of a copy of this book but I can't seem to find a place where it's for sale. Do either of you know how to get a copy?

David

DavidinGA wrote:
Chris Gregory posted that you could obtain copies from the good doctor himself {docfarrier[at symbol]gmail[dot]com} (hashed for the spambots)

Here's his email

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

David,

You can order it directly from Dr. Miller at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can pay with credit card through Paypal. The Millers will send you instructions when you order. It couldn't be easier.

Mark is right, It's a great book. I wish I could afford one for all my customers.

I only ordered 2 copies, one to keep and one to lend, but I will probably need to order more. It's really worth having AND lending.

Well, back to work now

Edit: Maybe they would prefer you use the gmail account. I couldn't get it to work.

Regards

Thanks for the info, I'll get in touch with him.

David

I have read Dr. Miller's book and would also recomend it to anyone interested.

I got a paypal invoice from the author and went to order the copy but paypal seemed to not like me Has anyone else had paypal problems lately I followed the link in the invoice but could not complete the transaction.

Dances with Hooves wrote:NOW DH why would you be wanting a copy? I hope its not to defend your shoeing protocol,you know the one that started the bare footers off on there justifiable tangent of horses shoe's are evil in the first place ~~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~

jack-mac wrote:
I think you are mistaken. Gene has never critisized shoes in fact he manufactures aluminum and steel NB shoes, center fit shoes, plastic shoes, steward clogs, arena shoes. He imports vulcan shoes and carries the full kerkart and st croix and diamond shoe lines in his farrier supply store. Hes a great blacksmith and uses a variety of shoes and race plates in his private practice.

The barefoot only people follow jamie jackson and the folks jamie trained such as pete ramey etc. Jamie has a completely different idea about how to trim a foot and feels that shoes are never necessary.

As far as why I would buy this book. I (unlike you) have an open mind and enjoy reading others thoughts on shoeing.

Dances with Hooves wrote:DH as far as I'm concerned the bare footer's were unheard of till NB nonsense turned up, till then horse owners were happy with there farrier choice to shoe or trim , ill be buying a copy & if I like what I read ill be buying a few more to hand out & Forget about Gene, what shoeing do you practise ?

Hi George,

Not sure why PayPal didn't like you. One thought: If you tried to use the Paypal payment option but don't have a PayPal Account, it wouldn't like that. But if you look further down the payment page, there is an option to pay directly with a credit card without setting up a PayPal account. Try that.

The other option was "the reason for the lack of success was that the PP protocols were not properly adhered to" :D ( Sorry, couldn't resist )

Regards

Western Hill Forge wrote:
. . . did somebody get their computer wet?

I am very happy that I bought a copy and it was well worth the money to get it shipped over here. I agree, every farrier needs to have a copy with them. Dr. Miller has done a very good job putting the book together after doing his study. Well worth every penny spent. Thanks Doc!!