Why a laser pointer?
Having trouble with your finder? I'd suggest a red dot finder to add to the scope, along with the current optical finder. Very, very effective, no laser issues with the coppers, and cheap- Andrews Communications sells the one I use (I've got two actually) for $29.
Back to the horsehead.
The attached AAO pic shows all the various components that form the "horsehead complex".
The Flame nebula is the round bright firery splash of colour to the left of the Horsehead. This nebula is much brighter than the emission nebula the horsehead is superimposed onto. Don't confuse the Flame nebula with the Horsehead. Also, though the Flame Neb. is brighter, it is still very faint itself.
This one I have seen in my 17.5" scope. Yet I still couldn't manage the Horsehead itself that night. The Flame is such a beautiful nebula itself, just saddly overshadowed by the chance resemblence of some dust and gas to an earthly creature.
The emission nebula the Horsehead sits on, like I said is very faint. The dark pillar that the horsehead is, is really only a dark, finger-like shadow jutting into this very dim "mist". It will NOT appear anywhere as clear and distinct as in the picture below!
Jennifer said she saw it only "fleetingly" (marvelous stuff Jen, to see it at all!! Lucky bugger,
). This also leads to the need to keep in mind that atmospheric conditions need to be particularly good. One moment Jen could see it, the next not at all.
Oh, one last tip, it is essential that you keep the bright star Theta Orionius OUT of the field of view, or its glare will completely wash it out.
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If you would like to have a go at the "dark pillars" that the Horsey is, have a go at the half dozen that line up in the bright nebula Eta Carina.
Dark pillars are of the same family as "Bok globuals". These are thought to be the gas and dust cocoons of protostars. These protostars, once their nuclear fire kicks in, will jetison this cocoon to reveal a new diamond in the sky.