Generally speaking, without seeing it, you can re-color the horn with various shade of brown oil paints with linseed oil and turpentine mixed in. You can order kits to re-color but I personally don't like the potassium ones cause they have a purple tint. Yes, I remove the hide when removing the skull plate. I fit has been on there forever you may be able to rehydrate it by soaking it in water, just don't let the horns in as they may discolor. Hope it helps