I have a Janome 9500, thinking I need the Horizon for the longer throat. Need more reasons than that to spend the money, so can anyone help me with this?

Is that the one that's around 800? If so, it has a wide feed dog plate that literally allows you to guide the fabric with one finger. I haven't used one yet but they seem to be flying out of our local dealer's store. Every time we have a class someone else has bought one. I'd love to have one just can't afford it right now. If you're near Danville Illinois go into Threads of Time and check one out. Talk to Bill, his wife Missy or any of the staff there and they'll be happy to help you. I know Mary has one that she's been using, she's only there Mondays and Tuesdays. They're wonderful people with a magnificent fabric store and retreat/conference center all in one. They're follow up service is great too.
http://www.threadsoftimefab.com
Tell them Alfreda sent you.

The only thing I know about the Horizon is I want one too.

and that it costs waaaaay more than $800 ;-)

Your off a couple of zero's.

almost 3000.00 here.

Check the search feature here at the top of the page. There have been a lot of threads about it.

i bought one. i took couple quilts to the shop and tried stuffing them under the throat and I was sold. So the extra is worth it to me.
$2495 here.

I also bought one for $2495. Still working out the bugs for me, like going over multiple seams. Wants to bog down, takes tiny tiny stitches. Having to pull material through. Have not figured out the correct presser on foot yet. The dual feed foot works great though. Love all the lights and wide open throat. Also the knee lift is wonderful, now only if it was a little closer to my knee.

I've seen it in a quilt shop and like it but decided on the Bernina 440QE because of the stitch regulated foot. They were the same price but decided on Bernina since a friend has one and loves it. This one is replacing a 7 year old Viking that is not doing very well anymore (it's the Quilt Designer). So far I'm very happy with it.