Be patient...it will come. I don't have the Horizon, but, the 6600 instead. I was intimadated by the machine as well. I had never owned an expensive machine, let alone a computerized one. It sat silent for about 6 weeks and one day I just went to it. I didn't read the manual, and didn't take classes, but, I don't prewash fabric either(LOL). Now maybe I haven't used the machine to it's fullest potential ( I have never made a buttonhole with it) but it pieces like a dream, FMQ without too many hiccups and the Accufeed for quilting is awesome. As far as classes, if he is a reputable Janome dealer, they have to take classes for the machines they sell and that's usually atleast twice a year(here in Canada anyway) So, be patient and explore your machines' possibilities...but most of all...relax and have fun.