The midfielder has penned a deal to keep him at the club until the end of the season.
Horlock suffered an injury-hit 2007, but Iron boss Adkins insists there was is no risk involved in the move.
"We've brought him here for nothing, he's on a free," Adkins told BBC Radio Humberside
"Hes enthusiastic, It's not just about what you do on the pitch, it's about what you do on the training pitch and he's shown his quality."