* Vast time period: The Middle Ages spanned roughly 1,000 years (5th to 15th centuries), with significant economic and agricultural changes over that time. Prices fluctuated greatly.
* Regional differences: Prices varied wildly depending on location, availability of resources, and local market conditions.
* Lack of consistent records: Detailed records of everyday prices are scarce, especially for commodities like horse feed.
* Variety of feeds: What constitutes "horse feed" is broad. It could include hay, oats, barley, straw, and even scraps from the kitchen. Prices varied by type and quality.
However, we can glean some insights:
* Grain was a valuable commodity: Grain, particularly oats and barley, was a key component of horse feed. Grain prices were generally higher than other staples, reflecting their importance for human and animal consumption.
* Hay was more readily available: Hay, while still valuable, was more common and likely cheaper than grain, especially in areas with suitable grasslands.
* Prices fluctuated due to harvests: Like today, good harvests meant lower prices, while poor harvests led to higher prices.
* Luxury feeds: High-quality feeds for horses of nobility or warhorses may have been much more expensive, including things like specialized grain mixtures and even imported feeds.
To get a better idea, you might try:
* Examining historical sources: Seek out medieval price lists, accounts, or monastic records to find mentions of horse feed or grain.
* Comparing to similar commodities: Look at prices of other agricultural goods like grain or hay in the same period and region.
* Consulting historical experts: Historians specializing in medieval economics or agricultural history can offer valuable insights.
Keep in mind that any price you find will likely be an approximation. Understanding the broader context of medieval agriculture and economy will help you interpret the cost of horse feed more effectively.