Your NPB filter will do the trick. I used three different filters last new moon and saw it in all three: a dedicated Hbeta, an NPB, and an OIII + Hbeta filter. The last filter is not the ordinary OIII filter. One important thing is to keep Zeta Orionis out of the field of view as its glare will overpower the faint black-on-black dark pillar.
The only other thing I'd suggest is print out a suitable locator map/chart/negative photo of the area around the Horsehead. There is a distinct asterism it sits close to, and it will be the best way to locate it. This is a good start:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/a...se.php?a=74600
A 13mm EP is a good choice too.