If it's anything like the 6600 ( and from what I've seen and heard they're very, very simialr close) you have to start in the needle down position to end in the needle down position.

I don't know about the Horizon, except I wish I had one, but are you pulling the bobbin thread to the top and holding both thread ends to start? Maybe you don't have to do this on the Horizon, but on my Bernina it's a must.

Your dealer didn't include a few lessons with the sale? Most do. It's really important to take a series of getting to know your machine classes to be able to make the most of your purchase.

Don't be intimidated by it; it is only a machine. Forget about all the stuff it can do for now and concentrate on making it do what YOU want it to do.

Try sewing on a single piece of folded cloth. If everything is OK when you do - tension is OK, stitches look good, no puckers, then it is probably operator error. If you are still having eye lashing and thread breakage, reseat your bobbin. It sounds like you may have it in upside down.

Right about now I'd sell you one cheap. :hunf:

To answer some of the suggestions: I'm using Superior's King Tut thread and the recommended needle. The bobbins are identical on both sides so don't see how I could have one upside down. The machine won't sew if the presser foot isn't down. I did try to switch to the DS1 setting for FMQ which is what they have in the instruction book and then it REALLY growled at me!

I decided to leave it for the day and try some piecing. That, at least, has gone well enough. No problems with tension or shredding thread. And it always stops with the needle down! I do have to get used to the 1/4" foot as it has a little fabric guide on the side that I don't like. Someone gave me a 1/4" foot for the Brother like that and I don't like it, either, but I have another 1/4" foot without the guide and do much better with it. Since the one I have is the only option for the Horizon, I'll just have to figure out where to set the needle to get an accurate seam.

The dealer said he gives free classes but there are no scheduled classes. You just have to request it. I've taught many a computer class and I know there is a big difference between people who are experienced and know what to ask and those who don't so I'm hoping this won't turn out to be one of those where they just ask what do you want to know. :?

I have a Horizon and have practiced FMQ with good results. I followed the instructions in the manual.

I will buy it cheap....my GF works for a Janome dealer and does the lessons!

I have a Horizon. I have only had my thread break for two reasons, bad/wrong needle or a tiny piece of thread stuck in the machine I love mine.

Are there formal lesson plans that Janome requires? My dealer has been less than forthcoming about this.

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!