This reinforces better aim for the swingers, as now they don't have to wildly swing and hit the rider like before, but actually have to aim their swings...
I like it.
If you've already managed to take down the rider's horse by "aiming" your swing, then you kinda deserve a free hit. But no, the rider is not really where he appears to be.
My 2h overhead always collide with the ground, now. So weird...