I think it was a heavy lance when I noticed this. I brought it up and some pole users said yes, when they thrust it actually hits to the right of the tip.
What you see when cavalry is coming for you is that you dodge well to the left (from your perspective) of the cavalry's "thrust wide right and turn your horse left while sweeping across the enemy" lance attack. You watch the lance point pass well in front of you by a foot or so as the horse goes by. Then, about 1/2 second later after it has passed you (in front by a foot), you get hit by the lance/spear (whatever)