nikon 55-200 vr is this the lens for me ? ,

This shot is a good example of my question/problem   I took this just to prctice and the timing is good but the horse /rider and not in focus   I am not sure why,  I think my lens is fine , I beleive its my focusing technique    Any suggestions    I was thinking that I should turn off auto focus  , Im not sure

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MikeyDigs