Stephane Michaud, director of AnimaPoney - which operated pony rides in several Paris parks but has now closed half of these - said his ponies work only about 150 days per year.
At his Rambouillet pony center south of Paris, he said that from the nineties he had started bringing ponies from the countryside into Paris because at the time ponies were kept in stables in the city in less-than-optimal conditions.
"I have been working with ponies for 35 years, I know their needs. They have everything they need," he said.
Parisians taking their offspring on a pony ride had doubts about the ban.
"For the kids it is a treat. They love the contact with the ponies," said Celine Papouin, whose daughter confidently sat astride a pony in Parc Monceau.
Meryem, 63, walking with two ponies on a leash, each carrying one grandchild, said if the rides are banned, city hall should explain its reasons.
"But then what else do we need to stop? Horseback riding, mounted police, breeding race horses?" she said.
