Trouble tightening the cinch

I'm embarressed to say that I have trouble getting the cinch tight enough. Any tips? I was looking into the "cinch hook" but is it worth it? Isn't there a tool that you can use to give you that extra "umf"? I'm 5'5" and it's hard to get something tight when it's taller than you! :-D

You could always try a Smart Cinch they make snugging up a cinch a cinch

Is it tying off the cinch or just pulling thru?
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Western or english ?
If western reverse your tie strap, tie at the girth instead of at the saddle Now you are using your weight to pull down to get tight instead of trying to lift up with just your arm strength. With tie strap attached to saddle push it in the front out the back of the girth up the back into the back out the front of the saddle ring back down to the girth, in the front of the girth out the back then around to the counter clockwise around the strap looking down and across the front in the back and under the crossing part leaving the windsor tie portion loose, Now pull down on the straps in front and work it throught the knot, way more leverage that way,

Do you do it snug then walk the horse about 20', tighten then walk again?

I don't know if this will help.. but what I do on a western saddle when I am cinching it up...

I do my first loop by running the latigo strap through the buckle end and make sure the saddle is in the right place before I pull it through the top buckle on the saddle.
I do as many loops as I can without tightening a lot.. then after I have done about 3 or so loops, I reach under the loops till I am holding the first at the bottom buckle and pull up and away as slow and tight as I need, then without letting that strap get slack, I pull the second loop strap up and away. I keep doing this until I am done pulling them all tight then I tie the latigo up until I'm about to get on.. then I finish tightening each loop again until it's tight enough to stay in place but comfortable for my horse.

But the main idea is the first strap determines how tight the latigo is on the horse, the other straps just enforce in my opinion. But always hold the loop at the bottom and pull up and away like you are hoisting up an anchor :P

Hope that helps. Just make sure to watch your horse's reaction. Go too fast and it will be very uncomfortable and may cause skin to pinch or fold.. so walk them a few steps or stretch their front legs before mounting up.

If you are really having a hard time getting the girth tight, reversing the cinch can help, as can using a girth tightener/cinch buddy/smart cinch etc device that is designed to help you get the girth tight. If you truly feel your height is the problem, stand on a stepping stool or mounting block and then tighten the girth :)

Thank you everyone for the advise its very much appreciated! I will be sure to test and see what works best for me.

Can you describe how you tighten the cinch now? Do you use a leather or nylon latigo?

I use a leather latigo. I wrap down from the saddle to the cinch back up to the saddle. Tighten, and repeat till I have 3 full "loops". Walk her several feet and check her saddle again for "sturdiness" I have switched to the Smart Cinch and has made a world of difference.