Welcome to the board from Florida from another horse owner. All I can say about the machine is that I know that this particular brand is a good one and new ones are expensive. What else is she throwing in the package for 500.00? Or is that just for the machine? As for the question concerning projects, I would say yes it would be good for most quilting/sewing projects. I wish mine had a built in walking foot.
Sorry I'm not much help.