Although he suffered a concussion in the pre–season tour and subsequently recovered, Horwood started the 2008–09 season as he continued to be in the first team regular at Carlisle United. Halfway through the season, Horwood began competing with Darren Campion and Michael Liddle over a left–back position. He then regained his first team place in late–January in the absence of Liddle's international commitment. After suffering a knee injury in February, his return was short–lived when he briefly suffered a neck injury. Despite this, he had a handful of first team appearances until his sending off for second bookable offence, in a 1–1 draw against Cheltenham Town on 25 April 2009. At the 2008–09 season, Horwood made the total of 28 appearances.
