ATHENS – Robert Dover doesn’t think of himself as having done something courageous. That is often the case with those who have the courage of their convictions.

It was about 18 years ago that Dover, an openly gay Olympic equestrian, lost several friends to AIDS. The climate toward gays in the late ’80s was much more hostile than it is now, but Dover wasn’t about to be intimidated.

He spoke openly about his homosexuality and saw an opportunity through the affluent world of equestrian to raise money to help those afflicted with HIV and AIDS. But Dover, a former New Jersey resident, wasn’t happy with how the funds he was raising were being spent.

That’s when he, his partner, Robert Ross, and friend, Mason Phelps, founded the Equestrian Aids Foundation. Currently, the group is helping a 7-year old Manhattan girl pay for her treatment.

“She calls us her equestrian angels,” said Dover.

Still, Dover heard some harsh words from ignorant fans, especially in Europe. He had his share of unfortunate dealings with those who believe a person’s sexual orientation is a measure of the man.

But Dover pressed on, using his position in the riding world to benefit EAF regardless of what was said.

“There were some incidents,” Dover told The Post. “I wouldn’t call it hatred, but especially in Europe there were some people who said some not nice things.

“Whatever mean comments or experiences I had weren’t nearly as important as doing this work.”

This week, Dover, 48, won his fourth Olympic bronze medal in dressage as a member of the U.S. Equestrian team. In addition to his charity work, Dover hopes his standing as an Olympic athlete will encourage other gay athletes to pursue their dreams.

“I hope young people feel like they can do whatever they want regardless of their sexuality, whether it be sports or business or arts,” said Dover. “If someone sees what I’m doing and it encourages them, that’s great.”