The technique for the 'horse-hoof sound' was actually quite simple. You hold a cleaver in each hand. First, the right hand chops down once and lifts, then it chops a second time. As that second chop lands, the cleaver in your left hand must strike immediately after, the two sounds ringing out almost simultaneously.
Rhythm was the crucial part. The right hand had to maintain a continuous pace of twenty chops every five seconds, while the left hand coordinated with ten chops in the same timeframe. As the right hand chopped rapidly, the left hand would strike in perfect sync.
Of course, the speed could be increased, but the ratio had to be maintained—two chops from the right for every one from the left. The tempo would build from slow to fast, mimicking the sound of galloping hooves.
The reverse was also possible—two chops from the left and one from the right. But for most people, using the right hand as the lead was more convenient.
