So was kinda wondering just what can the Drake Rider gain
1) Would the Drake be protected by the Mounted Combat feat(and similar feats)?
2) Could a halfling/Human take the "caretaker" alternative racial trait to boost one of the drakes stats?
3) How would you make the Drake Survivable?
I'm not even sure you can ride one. First you need to be at least level 7 and have certain requisites.
1 - I'd say yes once you convince her to let you ride her (it will only take 7 levels and several feats/powers)
2 - No. Drake is not an AC, and it doesn't count as one. GM bias here. But RAW I wouldn't allow it.
3- I'd focus on Spells. Honestly it seems really hard to have one, much less as a mount. Maybe defensive spells like Magic Vestment
1) If you're mounted on it, you can use your Mounted Combat feat. If you aren't mounted, you can't.
2) Yes, the Drake is a bonded companion. Although it doesn't count as an animal companion, the Caretaker alternate racial trait can apply to any bonded companion so it doesn't matter.
3) Unfortunately, there's no good way to make the Drake Rider work well. It's terrible at low levels, and only starts to come into its own at level 15+ which is much too late for most campaigns. A friendly spellcaster can help buff you up, but honestly if you have that just get him to cast a "fly" spell on your horse and skip this atrocious archetype.