Horton, who played 45 games for Otago, mainly at fullback, had no contract with any union and, after a long list of injuries, the latest a shoulder reconstruction, he looked destined for the scrapheap at the age of 26.
But Southland got in touch through winger Matt Saunders and Horton was soon back in action.
When asked yesterday as he signed autographs for Southland fans, Horton said he could not picture himself being a Ranfurly Shield winner so soon.
"I didn't know where my rugby career was headed and I was just helping out my dad. But Southland got in touch and here I am now," Horton said.
"There is a great atmosphere down here and the support the guys give for one another has been great. That is right through from the management to the fans," he said.
"It was probably time for me to leave Otago and Dunedin. I'd been there six years and was getting stale. Here is a completely different atmosphere and there are exciting times ahead."
Horton has taken his time getting into the Southland team, recovering from some injury niggles, but looked assured at the back on Thursday night.
Midfield back Jason Kawau was another Otago discard who was part of Southland history.
He said it was an awesome feeling to be welcomed back by so many people.
"When the plane flew over and we saw all those people it really sank in what we had done. It was a great night and then to see all these people out here," Kawau said.
He said the side would be looking to give it all for next Saturday's semifinal, but to get the Ranfurly Shield after 50 years of trying was huge and had to be acknowledged.
Southland flanker Tim Boys, looking the worse for wear after a sleepless night, said the key to the win was having every player thinking the same.
"As soon as I came down here I've been accepted and that is what the guys do. Everyone is a Southlander and made to feel comfortable."
Boys had an injured knee and back from the match, but said nothing could have made him leave the field on Thursday night.
