I've used the horns mostly, had no trouble with them. You have to be at the mast. Sounds like you already were.

When I've jiffy reefed, I've typically eased the sheet as experience dictated, hoisted the clew of the sail to the reef cringle, secured it. Then eased the main down to the horn, hooked it. IIRC, been awhile since I had to reef I confess. I always felt the sail was under better control with that procedure.