When I was younger I was convinced it was a cat ... I suppose cats don't pull chariots though... ;o)

I wouldn't of thought they need to be in the air to see it, they'd be able to admire it from the ridgeway or other points from afar? The 'feeling' aspect is a really interesting point though, maybe it was there to enhance their spiritual experience of the area. Were horses revered at all in those times?