Kurri resident Col Andrews has been raising funds for the statue for more than a year.

He wants to see the animal recognised for its vital contribution to the local coal mines.

A visit to the Richmond Vale Railway Museum led him to find old horse harness.

Harnesses were used to attach to the horse to pull supplies or coal along.

The harness is at least 50 years old as Richmond Main Colliery closed in 1967.

Fellow Kurri local Tom Outram has also been part of the statue initiative, having worked at Richmond Main Colliery in the 1940’s.

Mr Outram said he has very fond memories of working with the horses.

With the inspiration for the horse and the miner already found, Mr Andrews said they now know exactly what they want the statue to look like.

“It was the last thing we needed, the last piece of the jigsaw,” he said.

All they need now is the funds – with a country music benefit night planned at Weston Workers in February.