Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the name of the Duke of Wellington's favourite horse, which he rode at Waterloo. Indeed the story is well-known how, after that great battle was ended and the weary general dismounted from his brave steed, he gave it an affectionate clap of his hand; and how Copenhagen responded with a kick so savage he might have taken the Duke's head from his body had he happened to connect with his target.
Copenhagen is of a temper easily irritated. He is however steady and composed under fire, and all but tireless. As the Duke, who sincerely values him, said: "There may have been many faster horses, no doubt many handsomer, but for bottom and endurance I never saw his fellow".
Curiously the horse was named for the siege of Copenhagen, which happened to be taking place at the time he was born and in which Sir Arthur Wellesley, (as the Duke then was) had a distinguished part: but the two were not to meet for some years. Copenhagen's sire, John Bull, was a thoroughbred and so the colt was at first designed for a race horse: but not having a sufficient turn of speed for the sport, he passed through several hands before being bought by the Duke. They became much attached - or at least the Duke always shews a strong preference for Copenhagen, though the horse is perhaps less demonstrative.
Copenhagen is a chestnut and stands some fifteen hands high. He is mentioned in the account of the Peninsula war in Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell [29]and features prominently in 'The Duke of Wellington Misplaces His Horse', a tale found in The Ladies of Grace Adieu.