Dogs have always played a pivotal part in both of our lives from an early age; however, the exceptionally popular Labrador Retriever has by far been the most remarkable wonderful dog that we have been privileged to have in our lives and become our faithful loyal companions.

For the last 18 years I have had a dream to breed pure bred Labrador Retrievers. However, I have always felt a moral & ethical responsibility to ensure that the main reason to decide to breed should always be to strive to improve the breed & produce healthy puppies that live a contented, long & healthy life and in 2019 I decided that the time was right for me to follow my heart and my dreams and as a result Nook on Lyne Labradors was created.

We have achieved remarkable milestones in Labrador breeding and have quickly distinguished ourselves within the industry by adhering to the highest animal care and breeding excellence standards.

The Labrador is the most popular of all pedigree breeds and this popularity comes from his versatility as a family companion, service dog, therapy dog or a working dog.

Labradors are generally great to train as they are highly intelligent, keen and biddable with a strong will to please.They are good tempered, have excellent scenting ability, soft mouth and a keen love of water.

In accordance with stringent legislation regarding the necessity of obtaining a licence we have worked incredibly hard to meet the exceptionally high standards set out by the Local Council together with an independent vet in order to ensure the highest possible standards are met in respect of animal welfare.

We are therefore extremely proud to announce that we have gained the highest possible 5 Star Licence rating from Cumberland Council and our licence number is M009339

We are absolutely thrilled that Nook on Lyne Labradors were one of the first breeders in the whole of the UK to have successfully completed the Ofqual Regulated Level 3 Certificate in Dog Breeding, Litter Socialisation and Welfare in April 2022.
https://www.ipetnetwork.co.uk/ipet-network-canine-and-feline-qualifications/ipet-network-level-3-certificate-in-dog-breeding-litter-socialisation-and-welfare/
This ground-breaking first ever nationally accredited dog breeding course has been championed by animal welfare professionals as a step towards creating a world where dog breeding is undertaken in an educated, professional and ethical way. 

In June 2022 we successfully completed an Advanced Puppy Profiling course. This enabled us to discover how to observe subtle traits and behaviours of our puppies, document in detrail such observations and match puppies with their perfect homes by cross referencing with information provided by new owners as to what they are looking for in a puppy together with acknowledging potentially influential family dynamics. 
     
In November 2024 we successfully completed the Ofqual Regulated Level 2 Certificate in Canine Body Language.
https://www.ipetnetwork.co.uk/ipet-network-canine-and-feline-qualifications/ipet-network-level-2-award-in-canine-body-language/
It's so important to understand canine body language as it a vital means of communication between dogs and handlers. Canine body language can often be overlooked or misunderstood. A better understanding of body language and communication signals displayed by dogs will allow us to identify the emotions a dog is trying to convey and as such respond appropriately helping to promote good welfare and avoid trigger stacking.

In January 2025 we were overjoyed to be one of just a handful of Breeders to have successfully completed the ONLY official Ofqual Regulated Level 3 Diploma in Canine Nutrition in the UK and Internationally.
https://www.ipetnetwork.co.uk/qualifications/ipet-network-level-3-diploma-in-canine-nutrition/

This was subsequently followed by an intense 9 month mentorship with the Association of Pet Nutrion Consultants (APNC) of which I became an Associate Member in November 2025 after successfully completing the mentorship.
https://apnc.uk/mission/

In an unregulated industry professional accountability is essential.The APNC exists to raise standards and protect both dogs and their guardians.

As a qualified and insured Canine Nutrition Consultant we believe that a balanced fresh food diet is the key to a happy and healthy dog. 

We work with owners providing nutritional advice for their growing puppy or dog. We formulate fresh food diets for dogs either gently cooked or raw using the Animal Diet Formulation software in line with FEDIAF & AAFCO guidelines to help pet guardians throughout the UK & globally. 

Whether you choose gently cooked or raw it is possible to tailor a diet to meet your individual dog’s dietary needs in order to address any health conditions or concerns for example itching, gastrointestinal issues, weight loss, kidney disease etc by selecting functional foods that are rich in chemical compounds and provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

Please read our Nutrition Page https://www.nookonlyne.co.uk/nutrition for more information on the packages that we offer.

In January 2026 we successfully completed the Ofqual Regulated Level 3 Certificate in Canine Body Language for Breeders. 
https://www.ipetnetwork.co.uk/qualifications/ipet-network-level-3-award-in-canine-behaviour-for-breeders/
This qualification supports us in effectively managing a multi family dog home, ensuring that each of our Dog's individual needs are met to the best of our ability while carefully considering the different personalities and dynamics within the group at any one time.

In August 2026 we successfully completed our final exam are currently with the North America Veterinary Community (NAVC). We have been awarded our Veterinary Microbiome Certification 
https://certificates.navc.com/group/676755

We are currently studying towards a Level 4 Dipoma in Canine Adolesence with Canine Principles
https://www.canineprinciples.com/course/canine-adolescence-diploma

We are currently studying towards Canine Nutrition & Behaviour: The Essential link with Brain and Behaviour Academy
https://www.brainandbehaviouracademy.co.uk/courses/canine-nutrition-and-behaviour

We are currently studying towards Pet Health Mastery with Chicago based holistic veterinarian, international best selling author and lecturer Dr Odette Suter. The course involves mastering holistic health principles for canine health.  

As members of the Inside Scoop we undertake monthly Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with renowned veterinarian Dr Karen Becker, author Rodney Habib together with industry expert guest speakers who provide exclusive cutting edge information, education, research and the latest science to help pet parents be proactive in the wellness, enrichment and longevity of dogs.
 
We attend the annual week long National Dog Breeder Convention with many International industry leading guest speakers in order to develop new skills and enhance our current abilities in order to be the very best we can. 

Interview with Dave Hibbert International Training and Business Consultant and founder of IMPACT Working Dog Consultancy. Dave has a wealth of experience and has been involved in Police breeding programmes for almost 20 years. Dave has seen first hand the notable difference in behaviour, characteristics and trainability in dogs that have been bred on a small scale basis in the home as opposed to dogs bred in a larger commercial set up. He has been following our posts on LinkedIn for a while about our ethos in raising our dogs and puppies and with our incredible 5 star reviews and high client satisfaction reflecting the effectiveness of our approach he was keen to learn more about what we do. We discussed how we raise our adult dogs. How we care for our pregnant girls to ensure everything they experience during pregnancy has a positive effect on the puppies in the womb. How postnatal environments, positive early life experiences and socialisation from 3 days old can have a long lasting effect on a puppies epergenetic profile influencing behaviour later in life and why these positive experiences are essential for well balanced and robust puppies. Dave is keen on collaboration with like minded people with the same ethical values and sharing ideas for the wellbeing of our dogs. At the next Impact Working Dog Conference 2025 he is hoping to have a discussion about how raising puppies in different environments can have an impact on a dogs behaviour and their trainability.  

Diesel our Stud Dog has successfully passed his assessment to become a blood donor for the charity Pet Blood Bank UK where every unit of blood can save up to 4 lives. He has now started to give blood at donation sessions and his next donation will be in 2025.

Xabi has successfully passed his assessment by Pets As Therapy (PAT) which is a national charity that enhances the health and wellbeing of thousands of people in communities across the UK. We will be volunteering by visiting establishments such as care homes, hospitals hospices and schools to hopefully bring a smile to many faces. We have also now been approached to consider becoming an assessor for Pets As Therapy.

We were asked to take part in a podcast highlighting what is involved in raising a litter responsibly. We are also working on a further podcast collaborating with various pet professionals in order to highlight the importance of responsible and ethical breeding together with ensuring high standards of health and welfare.

We were asked to participate in a research study by a PHD student at Queen Mary University of London. The study is intended to provide robust research into the concerns and challenges within the dog breeding industry. The potential impact of this study is to make informed suggestions to Government for legal reform relating to poor practice and to increase the standard of health and welfare within this field to protect dogs and puppies.

We are proud to be a Generation Pup Champion. This is the most comprehensive study into dog health and welfare run by researchers at the Dogs Trust. This research is essential to better understand the environmental factors that contribute to health and behaviour conditions which impact on the well-being of our dogs.

In April 2025 we partnered with Rachel Down founder of UK Broth Manufacturer Boil and Broth www.boilandbroth.com in order to help educate canine guardians about gut health for dogs and how bone broth really is liquid gold. Boil and Broth are the only UK manufacturer of dehydrated bone broth which protects the nutritional integrity of the broth for maximum health benefits for dogs and puppies.

Bone broth for our canine companions has many health benefits to their health and wellbeing including:

1. Supports Healthy Growth
2. Aids Digestion
3. Improves Joint Health
4. Keeps Them Hydrated
5. Boosts the Immune System
6. Nourishes Coat and Skin
7. Appeals to Picky Eaters

After a productive meeting in May 2025 with a veterinary nurse from Antinol, Nook on Lyne Labradors are continuing to partner with them for the health and welfare of our puppies together with other dogs through our fresh food diet formulations.

Antinol is a super potent blend of Green Lipped Mussel oil Containing over 90 essential fatty acids including omega-3 fatty acids DHA & EPA both of which play important role in this suppression of inflammatory responses and overall health.

We are currently preparing our facilities and putting the finishing touches to our new Full Equine Holiday Livery service.

Further details and booking information will be announced here ahead of our launch.

Welcome to Nook on Lyne, a peaceful equine retreat where every horse matters. Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Cumbria countryside. Created for owners who want complete peace of mind knowing their horse is receiving exceptional, individual care.

We believe exceptional care is not measured by the number of horses we accommodate, but by the quality of one to one care, time and understanding given to each individual horse.

Nook on Lyne is far more than simply a place for your horse to stay. It is our home, a place with a lifelong connection to horses, animals and the countryside we are fortunate to call home.

Horses have been part of Nook on Lyne’s story for over five decades. Mike’s connection with this special place began when he was just 4 years old, with some of our favourite family photographs capturing him riding his pony Benji around the smallholding as a young child. Those memories reflect a lifelong passion for horses that continues today.

For many years, Nook on Lyne was home to a small, friendly livery yard, where caring for horses was part of everyday life. As that chapter came to a natural end, we chose to take Nook on Lyne in a new direction, focusing our passion for animal welfare through the creation of Nook on Lyne Labradors, an award-winning Labrador Retriever breeding programme built on the principles of ethical breeding, responsible ownership and exceptional standards of care.

Alongside this, we established Nook on Lyne Canine Nutrition Consultancy, helping owners support their dogs’ health, longevity and wellbeing by formulating nutritionally balanced fresh food diets using functional foods, taking into account the life stage and health of the individual dogs.

Although our work has evolved over the years, one thing has remained constant our commitment to providing knowledgeable, compassionate and ethical care for every animal entrusted to us.

Our journey has now come full circle as we will shortly be welcoming horses back to Nook on Lyne.

However, rather than returning to a traditional livery yard, we have created something intentionally different: a small and peaceful equine retreat offering Full Equine Holiday Livery designed around quality of care rather than quantity just as our Labrador breeding is founded on the same commitment to responsible, ethical and welfare-led practices.

We specialise in the care and management of ponies prone to or diagnosed with laminitis with an understanding that these ponies/horses often require a carefully considered approach to nutrition, grazing, turnout, weight management and daily routine. A combined Ethanol-Soluble Carbohydrates (ESC) and starch value on an as fed basis of below 10% is considered suitable for a laminitic or sugar sensitive horse. Our hay has been tested as 7.6% and is therefore suitable for these individuals.

Our aim is to provide a calm, closely managed environment where individual needs are recognised and every aspect of a pony’s care can be tailored accordingly.

With accommodation for a maximum of two guest horses at any one time, we are able to provide a calm, secure environment where routines are respected, individual needs are understood and every horse receives the attention they deserve.

For us, this is far more than holiday livery. It is the opportunity to combine a lifetime of experience with our passion for animal welfare, creating a true home from home for horses and complete reassurance for their owners.

Why Choose Nook on Lyne Livery

Experienced and Personal Care You Can Trust

At Nook on Lyne, animal welfare always comes first.

We believe every horse deserves kindness, patience and understanding. Our aim is to provide a calm environment where horses can relax, owners can feel reassured and every decision is made with the horse’s wellbeing at heart.

Over the years, we have managed horses with a wide range of needs, including restricted grazing requirements, specialist diets and horses requiring careful monitoring and support.

This experience has taught us that the foundations of excellent horse care are simple: consistency, attention to detail and understanding each horse as an individual.

Before arrival, we take the time to understand your horse’s feeding, turnout, behaviour and any specific needs so their routine can be maintained as closely as possible. Whether they require carefully managed grazing, medication, dietary support or simply extra observation, their care is adapted around them.

A Deliberately Small Retreat

We have deliberately chosen to keep Nook on Lyne very small, allowing us to provide:

• Individual attention
• Consistent routines
• Close daily observation
• Flexible management
• A calm, low-stress environment

Peaceful Surroundings

Unlike busy commercial yards, Nook on Lyne offers a quieter alternative where horses can settle without the constant activity of lessons, competitions or a high-traffic environment.

Our rural setting provides the space and tranquillity many horses need to feel comfortable.

Services Offered

One to One Full Equine Holiday Livery - Ideal When Life Gets Busy.

Care 365 days a year

£37 per horse per day
£30 Additional horse

Christmas Day and New Year's Day 
£45 per horse per day
£38 Additional horse

Our Equine Holiday Livery is designed for those times when you need someone you can truly trust with your horse.

Whether you are:

• Enjoying a family holiday
• Recovering from illness or surgery
• Moving home
• Travelling for work
• Between livery yards
• Managing a busy period of life
• Simply needing additional support

You can leave knowing your horse is safe, settled and receiving knowledgeable, compassionate care in a peaceful environment.

Every Stay Includes

Individual Stable Accommodation & Daily Care

● Pre stay Consultation

● Individual, comfortable rubber matted stable accommodation with wood-shavings bedding

● Turning out and bringing in

● Ad-lib low sugar hay made on site. As fed ESC & Starch combined 7.6% suitable for a laminitic or sugar sensitive horse.

● Secure, safe, dedicated year-round turnout

● Feed preparation and feeding according to your instructions (hard feed not included)

● Fresh water available at all times

● Full stable management

● Rug changes as required, including fly mask application and removal

● Twice-daily foot checks

● Daily personal photographs and videos via WhatsApp or text updates

● CCTV-monitored environment

● Secure trailer parking

● Strict biosecurity protocols

● Basic grooming as required

● Administration of routine medication where appropriate

● Liaison with equine professionals when required

● Mineral and salt licks provided

● Sunscreen applied when required

● Enhanced health and welfare observations for owners who would like additional reassurance, with a weekly written welfare update covering appetite and drinking, behaviour and mood, mobility and comfort, general condition, and any observations or concerns

● Track system providing opportunities for gentle movement and controlled grazing, with turnout arrangements adapted to suit each horse’s age, mobility, condition and individual requirements

Optional Concierge Transport Service

Take the stress out of your horse’s journey with our optional door-to-door concierge transport service.

Before Your Horse Arrives

• Collection directly from your horse’s location subject to location and availability
• Safe and careful transport to our premises
• Arrival confirmation with photographs
• Settling your horse into their accommodation and routine

Before Returning Home

• Final welfare check and preparation for travel
• Safe return transport directly to your horse’s current location
• Handover update on your horse’s stay

Transport Pricing

Our concierge transport service is available between 5pm and 7pm for journeys within 40 miles of our premises, subject to availability.

£2.00 per mile

Mileage is calculated based on the total distance travelled for the collection or return journey, so you only pay for the actual mileage involved.

Arrival & Collection

Standard Arrivals

These are available during the following times:

Morning: 8.30am–10.00am
Evening: 5.00pm–6.00pm

The day of arrival is chargeable. Where your horse is collected during the morning collection period, before 10.00am, the collection day is not charged.

Collections after 10.00am will incur the full daily boarding rate.

Alternative arrival or collection times may be accommodated by prior arrangement, subject to availability.

Concierge Collection & Return

For added convenience, our optional Concierge Collection & Return Service allows us to collect your horse from your home or yard and return them to you at the end of their stay.

Concierge collections and returns are normally arranged between 5.00pm and 7.00pm subject to availability. The exact time will be agreed with you in advance.

The standard arrival and collection times and collection-day charging rules above do not apply to Concierge bookings. Your livery charge is based on the agreed length of your horse’s stay with us. The Concierge Collection & Return Service is charged separately and covers the collection and return journey.

Christmas & New Year

Our horses continue to receive their usual high standard of care throughout the festive period. However, arrival, collection and Concierge arrangements are adjusted over Christmas and New Year.

Standard arrivals and collections will be available until 12.00pm on Christmas Eve and until 12.00pm on New Year’s Eve.

There will be no standard arrivals or collections on:

Christmas Day – 25 December
Boxing Day – 26 December
New Year’s Day – 1 January

Normal standard arrival and collection times will resume on 27 December and 2 January respectively.

Concierge Collection & Return will operate slightly differently over the festive period. The final Concierge collections and returns before Christmas will take place on 23rd December, between 5.00pm and 7.00pm. The service will then resume on 27th December.

The final Concierge collections and returns before New Year will take place on 30th December, between 5.00pm and 7.00pm. The service will then resume on 2 January.

Festive-period Concierge bookings must be arranged in advance and are subject to availability.

Visiting Nook on Lyne

Choosing someone to care for your horse is an important decision, and we want every owner to feel completely comfortable before their horse arrives.

We welcome private visits by appointment, giving us the opportunity to meet, show you our facilities and discuss your horse’s individual routine and requirements.

This allows us to understand your horse properly and ensure they receive the highest standard of personalised care.

Enquiries and Bookings

Nook on Lyne will soon be welcoming horses for Full Equine Holiday Livery.

As Nook on Lyne has been intentionally designed to accommodate only two guest horses at any one time, availability will remain extremely limited.

Whether you are planning a holiday, travelling, recovering from illness, moving home or simply want the reassurance of knowing your horse is being cared for in a calm and knowledgeable environment, we would be delighted to discuss your requirements.