First of all...check and make sure your needle is in correctly; then rethread. I have the Horizon and have never had a thread issue with it. Sounds like it is just user error.
As for sewing, it is just a machine like any other. You can use it as simply as you chose. Your dealer should be willing to help you with any issues you are having if they want to stay in business.
Good luck and hope you can figure out the bugs...it is well worth it!