======Horton======
=====Introduction=====
Horton was a [[wizard]] and a professional [[Quidditch]] player who served as a [[Chaser]] for the [[Falmouth Falcons]]. He is historically significant in the development of [[broomstick]] technology for his part in the accidental discovery of what would become the Horton-Keitch Braking [[Charm]].
=====Biography=====
The only known account of Horton's life comes from his time as a professional [[Quidditch]] player in the early 20th century. During a 1921 match between the [[Falmouth Falcons]] and the [[Quiberon Quafflepunchers]], Horton, a [[Chaser]], was flying at high speed towards the goalposts when he was about to collide with the opposing team's [[Keeper]].
His teammate, a [[Beater]] named [[Ragmar Keitch]], saw the impending collision and shouted an untested [[Charm]] at Horton's [[broomstick]]. The [[Charm]] worked with an unexpected level of effectiveness, causing the broom to stop dead in mid-air. While this saved Horton from crashing into the [[Keeper]], the sudden deceleration threw him from his broom. This incident, however, demonstrated the potential for a reliable braking mechanism for racing brooms and led to the formal development of the **Horton-Keitch Braking Charm**, which became a standard feature on many subsequent [[broomstick]] models.
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
No details about Horton's physical appearance or personality are provided in the canonical texts.
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
  * **[[Quidditch]] Player:** As a professional [[Chaser]] for the [[Falmouth Falcons]], Horton was undoubtedly a highly skilled flyer and athlete. His role required excellent aim, speed, and agility on a [[broomstick]].
=====Possessions=====
  * **[[Broomstick]]**: Horton owned a racing broom of an unspecified model, upon which the braking [[Charm]] was first demonstrated.
  * **[[Falmouth Falcons]] Robes**: As a team member, he would have worn the official dark-grey and white robes of the [[Falmouth Falcons]].
=====Relationships=====
Horton's most notable relationship was with his teammate, **[[Ragmar Keitch]]**. Though their collaboration was accidental and occurred during a high-stakes [[Quidditch]] match, their shared experience led to one of the most important innovations in broom safety and control. They are forever linked by the naming of the Horton-Keitch Braking [[Charm]].
=====Etymology=====
The name **Horton** is a common English surname derived from Old English. It is a locational name, typically meaning "farmstead on muddy ground" from the elements //horu// ("dirt, mud") and //tūn// ("enclosure, farmstead").
=====Behind the Scenes=====
All known information about Horton comes from the supplementary book //[[Quidditch Through the Ages]]//, written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym [[Kennilworthy Whisp]], specifically in Chapter Nine, "The Development of the Racing Broom."