Welcome. I don't run an embroidery business so I'm not the best one to help but I'm sure you will get some advice soon.

I don't know about commercial machines brand-wise, but be sure to get the biggest hoop possible, the most needles, simplest setup, and make sure you can get it serviced locally. Sometimes a smaller, more portable machine could be an advantage, if you could go to horse shows or fairs and do some on-site monograms, etc. Check with all your local dealers, sometimes they take machines on trade for those trading up, and you can get a bargain. Service is your most important consideration, especially if you're doing a business. A breakdown on an order deadline could be a catastrophe. And make sure you can test-drive the machine before you buy it, and that you'll get lessons on everything it does. I wouldn't personally trust eBay or online purchasing for something of this nature, although you could check out the particulars of each machine online and compare them. Best of luck, let us know how you make out.

The trainer I had when I purchased a Melco Amaya XT did a lot of horse blankets. The Amaya did them very well according to her. The Amaya accommodates some very large hoops. I have a table type insert for when I use the largest hoops that really helps when stitching large or heavy items. The table insert is very easy to slide under the arms and off again. The Amaya has 16 needles. The best part for me when I first started researching machines was the acti-feed. The machine does not have any tensions knobs to adjust for each needle. The machine senses the thread it needs to feed all the time.

Marcelle, Florence, AL

No idea where you are but as others have said make sure there is a dealer nearby. Some machine can be bought on hire purchase or you might get a good second hand one from a dealer. Like others I would not get from ebay as the aftercare of a machine is very important and some dealers are not so good on care of machines that they have not sold. Personally I love my Brother PR 650 which has 6 needles. The PR 1000 has 10 needles. Think you have quite a bit of homework to do on the type and size of machine you want/need/can afford. Anyway good luck with the new business and let us know what you buy

Welcome to cute,my daughter has horses,their rugs are quite heavy and can get very dirty at times. You need a machine that can handle Hair and dust. Washing does not get all the hair and dirt off. Good luck with your quest,i'm sure that someone will be able to help,cheers