Figurine of Wondrous Power, Bronze Griffon: any reason the owner can't ride it?

[ksbsnowowl]

Bronze Griffon
When animated, a bronze griffon acts in all ways like a normal griffon under the command of its possessor. The item can be used twice per week for up to 6 hours per use. When 6 hours have passed or when the command word is spoken, the bronze griffon once again becomes a tiny statuette.

Moderate transmutation; CL 11th; Craft Wondrous Item, animate objects; Price 10,000 gp.

Any reason the owner/activator of a bronze griffon can't be ridden as a flying steed in battle?  Would it count as an untrained mount?

Ride Skill

Control Mount in Battle
As a move action, you can attempt to control a light horse, pony, heavy horse, or other mount not trained for combat riding while in battle. If you fail the Ride check, you can do nothing else in that round. You do not need to roll for warhorses or warponies.

[veekie]

It'd be untrained by default I think, but otherwise there should be no impediment to riding it.

[NunoM]

Bronze Griffon
When animated, a bronze griffon acts in all ways like a normal griffon under the command of its possessor.

A normal griffon isn't trained as a mount (there's even a training fee specified in the MM). It could be commanded to accept a rider, though, but that wouldn't qualify him as "trained".

Also, remember you suffer some penalties on the Ride skill for riding bareback on a mount, so you should carry along a saddle if you plan on using this.