Dictionaries define “one trick pony” as a person or thing that is thought to be limited to only one single talent, capability, or quality; much like a pony that has been taught only one trick. But where does this phrase come from?
The earliest currently known documented use of this phrase was in 1904, in the Oregon Pioneer Association Transactions text, where they referred to a one-trick-pony in the context of the Oregon circus.
Circuses, sometimes known colloquially as “dog and pony shows“, often had a pony or horse perform tricks as part of the attractions.
There is one story about the origin of the phrase “one trick pony” and despite not having much evidence, I think it seems quite plausable.
The story goes that around the mid-1800s there was one particularly disasterous show by The Cuffling Cousins Circus. It is said that they had an appallingly dull act involving a pony that knew no tricks apart from “playing dead”, and that this led the disappointed audience to uproar, demanding their money back. Suffice it to say this one-trick-pony did not entertain and certainly did not impress! Much like one-trick-ponies that we refer to today.
Although there is little documented evidence of the existence of a Cuffling Cousins Circus or of this particular story, it is possible that such a situation may have led to the origin of the phrase “one trick pony”.
Related products
Note:
This site is working in affiliation with Amazon.com (for USA visitors) and The Nutri Centre (for UK visitors). If you like a product that was recommended anywhere on this website, please consider buying these products via the links on this site, to help keep this website running. Thanks 
Excellent article and easy to understand explanation. Thanks for sharing!