It comes in handy! You need a badge if you want to fly or surf, but if you have any that are big enough to ride on land you don't need to beat any gyms for that.

[She fluffs up her feathers, letting out an indignant "Corv!" at the other Pokémon as they climb up on Hunter's shoulders. As though almost getting caught in the firing line wasn't completely her own fault.]

That seems like a pretty dangerous way of training. Aren't you worried you'll get hurt?