He attended the Christ Church & Beeches Road Schools and signed for George Salter Works in 1880 before moving on to West Bromwich Albion in the same year.
As a footballer, Horton was a very sporting player, a largely defensive right—half who was good at heading, strong with his kicking and fearsome in the tackle, hence his nickname of "Ironsides".
After making guest appearances for Port Vale in September 1884 and Aston Villa in March and April 1885,[1] he turned professional with Albion in August 1885.
It proved to be third time lucky for Horton, as he helped the "Throstles" to a 2–1 victory over Preston North End at The Oval in the 1888 final.
[2][3] Horton, playing as a wing-half, made his League debut on 22 September 1888 at Leamington Road, the then home of Blackburn Rovers.