Everyone can see the horses in the snow…but it’s working out how many there are that takes a high IQ

THIS twisted optical illusion is about to blow your mind away.

Only the top few people with a really high IQ can solve this mind-bending challenge in just 12 seconds.

Bev Doolitte/National Institute of Enviromental Health SciencesHow many horses can you spot in this picture?[/caption]

This unique painting shows several horses on a mountaintop, but the question is: how many do you really see?

The fantastic portrait was created by Bev Doolitte – and has been featured on the National Institute of Environmental Health Services (NIEHS) website.

In it, what appears to be a bunch of white and brown horses are packed together and blended into the brown rock and snowy background, giving the picture an optical illusion.

People have been scratching their heads for a long time trying to work out the number of horses.

Some say they see five horses, others claim there are seven in total.

But you can try your luck and see if you can crack the challenge and beat these people.

Although it appears to be a simple image, it’s trickier than it looks.

And you just have 12 seconds to solve it.

So buckle up, set the timer, and test your puzzle-solving skills.

But be warned, you need the sharpest of eyes and the strongest of minds – must remain composed throughout.

You are more likely to make mistakes if you try to rush it, so check every square inch of the image.

But did you know that solving optical illusions is a great way of training your brain and improving creative thinking?

It is also an important mental exercise that prolongs the lifespan of short-term memory.

Studies have shown that people who regularly challenge themselves with optical illusions and puzzles improve their problem-solving skills, concentration and attention.

Optical illusions benefits

RESEARCHERS have developed many tests that show how various brain regions react to optical illusions.

They are not only entertaining, but they also shed light on how our brains interpret visual data.

By giving your brain a little workout regularly, you enhance your ability to focus and observe details.

Studies have shown, people who regularly challenge themselves with optical illusions and puzzles see big improvements in their problem-solving skills, concentration and attention.

Improved concentration and attention span, in turn, can help prevent cognitive decline in older age.

Psychologists at The University of Glasgow found that staring at an optical illusion can improve eyesight by allowing you to see small print

So before you start with this one, try and see if you can spot all five differences between the two identical pictures.

Or have a go at finding the sausage that definitely shouldn’t be in with the fruit and vegetables.

Only genius people can spot the camouflaged butterfly in under 10 seconds.

And see if you can find the hidden treasure chest within this party of pirates before they get their hooks on the gold inside.

Coming back to our challenge – were you able to solve the mind-bending optical illusion?

If you didn’t see it, look again carefully.

Here is a hint for you: try to count the heads of the horses.

If you are still scratching your head trying to figure out the confusing picture, we’ve circled the answers for you below.

Congratulations to those who solved the puzzle in under a minute.

But if you solved it in just 12 seconds, you are a genius with a perfect 20/20 vision.