he first glance of Schloss Ebreichsdorf, towering above the small town of the same name, reminds you of a palace in a fairy tale. In this far eastern area of Austria it is possible to drive across miles of flat plains and open skies without seeing anything more than an occasional farm building – and so the sight of such an important and ancient building is a surprise. For anyone who yearns for the traditional hospitality of polo together with the charm of an 800-year-old castle and beautiful landscape, plus sophisticated après polo entertainment, Ebreichsdorf is the answer. Baron Richard Drasche has run the polo club from his ancestral family home for 15 years, and it is very much an enterprise in which he takes huge pride. He is also an active participant, playing in many of the tournaments, alongside his two daughters, Nadine and Valerie. The club, on the outskirts of Vienna, was founded in 1991 when the park was remodelled, with ponds and trees making way for polo fields. Today, it is one of the most beautiful clubs in Europe. Richard had invited me to come and play. Not only that, but he asked me to share a team in the 12-goal tournament. Santiago Gaztambide, who plays with me in the 12-goal, was sceptical because neither he nor I had heard of Ebreichsdorf. We both sent five horses along with two grooms for a two-day journey by truck with Martin Richmond. It was decided that
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Austria’s Ebreichsdorf club is a reminder of polo from a different era. You can dance until dawn and then enjoy exciting action in stunning surroundings. Emma Treichl packs her dancing shoes
Viennese whirl
56 Hurlingham
56-57. Austria.indd Sec1:56
12/8/05 3:23:02 pm
