Good start, the color came out really good. I think you will be surprised at how hard and durable horn is. When I do a horn making class the first thing I do is take a raw horn by the tip and whack it as hard as I can on the workbench or floor. Makes believers out of the doubters
They are addictive though you will get better and learn something with everyone.
Tim
PS: I have yet to have one crack but sooner or later it will hap[pen. TC