Sounds alright although I am surprised you have not been building slugs under your straw in the damp winter conditions. I found it worked well to use compost mulch, would remove straw perhaps to paths, depending how much is there, before spreading the horse compost, then hoe as soon as tiny weed seedings are visible.
2-3in is good, say 6cm. Put the earth on first.
A promising outlook for you.
